What is Soft Tissue Management?
Soft tissue managing is an individualized plan to eliminate the infection of the gums and root surfaces. The plan chosen is based upon the periodontal diagnosis and what stage of periodontal disease you have. The periodontal therapist will perform the treatments to help eliminate infection, make recommendations and help you to more effectively clean your teeth daily and guide you through our efforts to achieve and maintain oral health.
What is Root Planing?
After the thorough cleaning of the tooth surface has been completed above and below the gum line, the root of the tooth undergoes a process called planing. This is a process of smoothing the root of the tooth so that any remaining tartar is removed. This also serves two other purposes: it clears away any rough areas that bacteria below the gum line thrive in, and it makes it much easier for the gingival (gum) tissue to re-attach itself to the tooth, effectively reducing the size of the pockets that the plaque and bacteria hide in. This re-growth of tissue is key in stopping a recurrence of gum disease and happens very quickly once the calculus has been removed.
What do we hope to accomplish with Soft Tissue Management?
- Gums that do not bleed
- Fresher breath and taste
- Knowing how to effectively maintain disease control
- Reduced pocket depths
- Control of the periodontal disease process
What do we need from YOU, the patient, to make this treatment a success?
- Completing of the periodontal therapy as described
- Thoroughly cleaning all tooth surfaces twice a day
- Maintain regular re-care visits