Reviewed by Dr. Rebecca Wagner
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Gum disease can often be treated without traditional periodontal surgery, particularly when it is identified before extensive damage has occurred. Non-surgical treatment may include scaling and root planing, antimicrobial therapy and ongoing periodontal maintenance, while minimally invasive laser treatments such as LANAP may be recommended for more advanced disease.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Gum Disease
The right treatment depends on how far gum disease has progressed. Scaling and root planing is often the first treatment for periodontitis, sometimes combined with antimicrobial therapies and followed by ongoing periodontal maintenance.
Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning performed below the gumline. Scaling removes plaque and hardened tartar from the teeth and roots. Root planing smooths the root surfaces, making it more difficult for bacteria to collect and helping the gums heal against the teeth.
Laser Pocket Disinfection
Laser Pocket Disinfection uses the PerioLase® MVP-7™ to reduce bacteria below the gumline. This non-invasive treatment may be used alongside scaling and root planing or during periodontal maintenance to help control bacteria and inflammation.
Antibiotics and Antimicrobial Treatments
Local or oral antibiotics may be used alongside periodontal treatment to help control harmful bacteria. Dr. Wagner may also recommend an antimicrobial rinse or topical medication. These treatments can support healing, but they cannot remove tartar and are not a substitute for professional care.
Periodontal Maintenance
Gum disease requires ongoing management even after the initial infection has been treated. Periodontal maintenance visits include careful cleaning above and below the gumline, monitoring of periodontal pockets, and additional treatment when necessary. These visits help reduce the chance of the disease becoming active again.
LANAP as a Minimally Invasive Treatment Option
LANAP laser surgery is a minimally invasive treatment that uses the PerioLase® MVP-7™ to remove bacteria and diseased tissue from periodontal pockets without cutting the gums. A thin laser fiber is placed between the tooth and gum to eliminate infection while preserving healthy tissue. The roots are then cleaned of plaque and tartar, and a second laser pass helps seal the area to support healing without sutures.
Dr. Rebecca Wagner is a board-certified periodontist with specialized LANAP training. Her experience allows her to determine when laser therapy is appropriate and when another form of periodontal treatment may be more effective.
LANAP is used for moderate to advanced gum disease and may help stabilize teeth by promoting reattachment around the roots.
Find the Right Treatment for Your Gums
At The Wagner Centre, Dr. Wagner focuses on minimally invasive care and preserving natural teeth whenever possible. If you have bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, gum recession, or loose teeth, we can help.
To schedule an evaluation, call (717) 263-0606 or visit 129 Chambers Hill Dr, Chambersburg, PA 17201.
FAQ
Brushing, flossing, and antimicrobial rinses can help reduce plaque and inflammation, but they cannot remove hardened tartar or thoroughly clean deep periodontal pockets. Once gum disease has progressed beyond mild gingivitis, professional treatment is needed.
Yes. Depending on their depth and the severity of gum disease, periodontal pockets may be treated with scaling and root planing and other non-surgical therapies. More advanced disease may require LANAP or periodontal surgery.
Surgery may be recommended when deep periodontal pockets, bone loss or other damage cannot be adequately managed with non-surgical treatment. The appropriate treatment depends on the severity and location of the disease.
LANAP does not simply replace gum tissue that has been lost to recession. However, it may support regeneration of the attachment between the gums, bone, and teeth in treated areas. If significant gum recession is present, a separate procedure such as gum grafting may be needed.
