Treatments for Periodontal Disease

The treatment and management of periodontal disease involves lifestyle changes, medications, other treatments, alternative and complementary therapies, and possibly surgery.

The goals of treatment of periodontal disease include:

Controlling the underlying infection
Halting destruction of the gums, tissues, and bones that support your teeth
Avoiding potential tooth loss

Treatment involves the following:

Lifestyle changes Medications Surgery Other treatments

References

Gum disease: what you need to know. American Academy of Periodontology website. Available at: http://www.perio.org/consumer/gum-disease.htm . Updated May 2011. Accessed July 27, 2011.

Periodontal (gum) disease. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research website. Available at: http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/DataStatistics/FindDataByTopic/GumDisease/ . Updated March 2011. Accessed July 27, 2011.

Periodontal (gum) diseases. American Dental Association website. Available at: http://www.ada.org/ . Updated March 2005. Accessed April 23, 2009.

What is gum disease? American Dental Association website. Available at: http://www.ada.org/sections/scienceAndResearch/pdfs/forthedentalpatient%5Fjan%5F2011.pdf . Published 2011. Accessed July 27, 2011.

Revision Information

Reviewer: Michael Woods, MD
Review Date: 09/2012
Update Date: 00/91/2012

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.