Periodontal Services

Periodontology’s roots are from the Greek word of peri, meaning “around” and another word that is the equivalent of “tooth” in modern day English. This dentistry specialty is centered on tooth support structures including treating the conditions and diseases that impact them. Supporting tissues include the gums, the periodontal ligament, cementum and the alveolar bone. Periodontal treatments include a thorough cleaning. If necessary, Michael D. Levy will perform a deep cleaning in which scaling deep down along the sides of teeth is performed. If any underlying problems are identified, they will be dealt with right away, ensuring the cause is addressed rather than merely treating the symptom.

Periodontal services include root scaling and planning. This treatment eliminates plaque and calculus beneath the gum line to mitigate inflammation. The treatment is necessary when there is considerable tartar and plaque built up below the gums. If this buildup is not addressed, there is the potential for bone loss and possibly even tooth loss.

Root scaling and planing is a non-surgical method in which the mouth is numbed for patient comfort as the deep cleaning is performed. Periodontal services also extend to crown lengthening. This procedure extends tooth length with a repositioning of the gum to expose that much more of the tooth, ultimately heightening the chances of the crown proving successful.