Initial Therapy

A screening index is performed to assess the initial condition of the periodontium.
The area beneath the teeth is then probed to determine the depth of the gums and the degree and strength of circulation. Results are tabulated to reveal the extent of disease progression. Next, the bacterial infection is treated.

Therapy begins with a visit to the clinics dental hygienist where a professional cleaning is provided. The gums surrounding the upper roots of the teeth are numbed by local anaesthesia and cleaned so that tartar and plaque are thoroughly removed. As the mechanical cleaning only minimally scales down the surface of the root, healthy tooth tissue is preserved. The goal of initial therapy is to establish a healthy balance of bacterial flora in the mouth.