Active Periodontitis
Definition: A bacterial infection of the supporting tissues of the teeth, characterized by a rapid destruction
of the periodontal ligament and supporting bone that may lead to tooth loss if not arrested.
Symptoms:
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Gums that are red, swollen, receding,
bleeding, painful
Bad Breath
Dry Mouth
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Teeth that are sensitive, mobile
Pain during chewing, brushing or
flossing
Risk factors:
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Systemic diseases, including severe or
undiagnosed Diabetes, Downs Syndrome,
AIDS or Rheumatoid Arthritis
Immune Dysfunction
Poor oral hygiene (lack of flossing,
brushing, rinsing)
Irregular dental visits
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Tobacco use
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Pregnancy
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Poor nutrition
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Defective or rough dental restorations
Treatment:
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In-office treatment:
o Scaling and Root Planing (SRP): the area being treated is numbed, and dental scalers are used
– with the aid of water and sonic vibration - to remove the bacterial plaque and tartar from
the tooth surface above and below the gum line.
 Tissues are treated by quadrant of your mouth (upper right, lower right, etc.) and half
the mouth is usually done in one visit. Visits are typically 7-10 days apart to give our
hygienist the chance to revisit the area that was initially treated and remove any
bacteria that has since accumulated.
o Periodontal Maintenance and Evaluation: 4-6 weeks after your SRP, our hygienist will
evaluate how your tissues have responded and get everything cleaned up again. At this visit
we will establish your recommended recall interval, typically 3-4 months.
At-home treatment following in-office active therapy:
o Brush twice a day for a minimum of 2 minutes with fluoride toothpaste that contains an
antibacterial and anti-inflammatory ingredient. Brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush held at
a 45° angle to the line where your teeth and gums meet. Move the brush in small circular
movements along the gum line and chewing surfaces of your teeth. A power toothbrush may
make brushing easier and more efficient.
Strobel Dentistry, Ltd.
25 E. Washington St., Ste. 1917, Chicago, IL, 60602
(312) 726-3135 : www.strobeldentistry.com : strobeldentistry@live.com
o Floss daily. Hold the floss tight. Gently bring it down between the teeth. Do not pop the
floss against the gum. Curve the floss around the tooth and gently rub up and down. Adjust
the floss so you use a fresh section for each tooth, including the back side of the last teeth.
Alternate flossing methods are available for patients who have difficulty flossing or who
cannot floss.
o Rinse with an antiplaque, anti-gingivitis mouthwash that contains either cetylpyridinium
chloride or essential oils. Listerine and Colgate Advance Proshield are popular brands of
antiseptic rinses.
o Visit your dentist or dental hygienist every 3 to 4 months, depending upon the severity of
the periodontitis. Your dental professional will be able to help you manage periodontitis by
reviewing your risk factors and oral hygiene habits in order to create a home-care regimen
that works for you. They can get to areas in your mouth that you are not able to properly
access at home even with good home care.
If the SRP is unsuccessful, other treatment options include:
 Placement of antibiotics under the tissues that haven’t responded to SRP
 Referral to a periodontist (gum tissue and bone specialist) for evaluation and potential surgery to
augment the existing bone and tissue
Treatment Goals:
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Remove factors that provoke inflammation (plaque, Calculus and endotoxins) from the root surface
Eliminate Bleeding and swelling
Achieve ideal home care techniques with proper patient education
Prevent recurrence of disease through regular periodontal maintenance visits following active
therapy
Strobel Dentistry, Ltd.
25 E. Washington St., Ste. 1917, Chicago, IL, 60602
(312) 726-3135 : www.strobeldentistry.com : strobeldentistry@live.com