Daniel Normandin When gum disease progresses beyond simple gingivitis, a periodontist, a specialist in the supporting structures of the teeth, offers several advanced treatments. These options are generally divided into non-surgical and surgical categories, depending on the depth of the pockets between your teeth and gums. In 2026, specialists are increasingly moving toward minimally invasive and laser-based protocols to improve recovery times and patient comfort, often coordinating with treatments like invisalign braces when needed.
Non-Surgical Treatments for Early to Moderate Periodontitis
For many patients, gum disease can be managed without surgery if caught early enough. The primary goal of non-surgical therapy is to eliminate the bacterial infection and allow the tissues to reattach.
- Scaling and Root Planing: This Deep Cleaning is the foundation of periodontal care. The periodontist removes plaque and tartar and then smooths the root surfaces. This helps eliminate rough areas and allows the gum tissue to heal.
- Antibiotic Therapy: To fight persistent bacteria, a periodontist may place antimicrobial chips or gels directly into the gum pockets. They may also prescribe oral antibiotics to control the infection from the inside out.
- Tray Delivery Systems: Custom-fit trays, similar to fluoride trays, can be used at home to deliver prescription-strength medication deep into the periodontal pockets between visits.
LANAP
The Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure is a modern, FDA-approved alternative to traditional surgery that is gaining popularity for its efficiency.
- How it Works: A precise laser fiber targets and destroys only the diseased tissue and bacteria without cutting the healthy gums. The laser also forms a natural seal to protect the area during healing.
- Key Benefits: LANAP results in significantly less bleeding, swelling, and downtime. It is particularly effective for patients with dental anxiety and has encouraged the body’s natural ability to regenerate bone around the teeth.
Surgical Treatments for Advanced Periodontitis
If the gum pockets are too deep to clean with non-surgical methods or if there is significant bone loss, surgical intervention becomes necessary to save the teeth.
- Flap Surgery: The periodontist gently lifts the gums back to remove deep-seated tartar. The gums are then repositioned and sutured snugly against the tooth.
- Bone Grafting: If gum disease has destroyed the bone supporting your tooth, a graft (using your own bone, synthetic material, or donor bone) is placed to provide a platform for new bone growth, stabilizing the tooth.
- Guided Tissue Regeneration (GTR): A small piece of biocompatible mesh is placed between the bone and gum tissue. This prevents the faster-growing gum tissue from filling the space where bone should be.
Periodontal Maintenance
The success of any periodontal treatment depends on consistent aftercare. Once the active infection is cleared, you will enter a Maintenance phase. This typically involves professional cleanings every three to four months. These visits are more intensive than standard dental cleanings.
Conclusion
Investing in these treatments not only saves your natural teeth but also prevents systemic health issues linked to gum disease, such as heart disease and diabetes complications. While costs vary based on complexity, most modern clinics provide flexible financing to ensure these essential services are accessible.
