Non-Surgical Periodontal Procedures

Periodontal disease is an infection of your gum tissue, usually caused by poor oral hygiene habits. If brushing and flossing is not done at least twice a day, and you’re not visiting your dentist for checkups and professional cleanings twice a year, plaque will build up on the teeth and eventually harden. This is the beginning stage of periodontal disease. Over time, advanced stages of periodontal disease can lead to sore and bleeding gums, discomfort with chewing, and tooth loss. At the advanced stages, regular dental cleanings will no longer help the infection.

Treatment Options for Periodontal Disease

Scaling and Root Planing

non-surgical perioThis procedure is a much deeper cleaning than the routine cleanings you would get twice a year. First, scaling is done to remove plaque and other residue from the surface of your teeth, to clear the way for a deeper clean. After applying a local anesthetic, your periodontist will perform root planing by cleaning out the plaque from below your gum line. Together, these methods have been effective in treating periodontal disease and allowing the gums and surrounding bone to heal.

Antibiotics/Antimicrobials

A simple oral prescription of antibiotics or antimicrobials may help treat periodontal disease. Sometimes they are combined with another non-surgical periodontal treatment to maximize treatment.

Medication under the Gum Line

After a dental scaling and root planing, your periodontist may recommend placing medication under your gum line to help kill any bacteria left behind after the procedure. This should only be done in combination with scaling and root planing, never on its own.

Bite Adjustment

If you notice that you have loose teeth, they will need to be protected from the biting and chewing forces that impact them, especially if you grind or clench your teeth as well. Small amounts of tooth enamel can be reshaped to change the way the upper and lower make contact, your teeth can be joined together with a metal or plastic brace to help support each other, or you can use a nightguard to cushion the pressure on your teeth when you grind or clench them.

Oral Hygiene

The best way to avoid periodontal disease is preventive care. Removing the debris and residue that cling to your teeth and gums will play a significant role in maintaining good oral health. A daily routine of brushing, flossing, and other oral hygiene products at home will ensure that periodontal disease is kept at bay.

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Testimonials

What Our Clients Say About Us

  • "Dr. Katz is attentive to his patients' needs, always careful to ensure the patient's comfort...It's a friendly office with impeccable service. They will take good care of you!
    Over the years, Dr. Katz and his team have provided me with an extremely high level of care and personal sensitivity. He has earned my trust."
    Jim Velleco - Marblehead, MA
  • "I have had a lot of dental work done during my life--orthodontia, fillings, crowns, implants, root canals, a bridge--and Dr. Katz is by far the best dentist I've ever seen. In addition to being a superior craftsman with a lot of experience, Dr. Katz is attentive to his patients' needs, always careful to ensure the patient's comfort. His staff, several of whom have been working with him for decades, is likewise excellent. It's a friendly office with impeccable service. They will take good care of you!"
    Sandra Doherty
  • "Awesome Doctor and team - have been going to Dr. Katz's practice for over 20 years and the professionalism, care and attention are superb. They are warm, welcoming, caring and a pleasure to go to. Highly recommend them - with a warm smile!!!
    The professionalism, care and attention are superb. They are warm, welcoming, caring and a pleasure to go to."
    Paul Romano
  • "I travel from Woburn to Salem for my dental needs because there is no other dentist that I trust more than Dr. Katz. I am impressed with his professionalism and drive to stay on top of the best dental techniques. He and his team treat my wife and me like family. I highly recommend Dr. Katz!
    There is no other dentist that I trust more than Dr. Katz. I am impressed with his professionalism and drive to stay on top of the best dental techniques. He and his team treat my wife and me like family."
    Rob Dealy
  • "It’s not “Cheers” and they don’t serve beer, but it is a place “where everybody knows your name.” They know your family, too. And you know theirs. After 25 years here, for me it’s not just about having clean teeth. It’s about catching up with old friends, sharing what’s going on and caring about each other."
    Eugenia Fountain - Salem, ma
  • "They are thorough, careful and up to date on new techniques. One never feels like a "number" because there is very little staff turnover...We recommend them without hesitation.
    If you're looking for top-notch customer service, a welcoming staff, and valuable take-home knowledge, make an appointment with Dr. Katz. My mouth and I have had nothing but positive experiences in his care."
    Mike Briddon - Swampscott, MA
  • "Dr. Katz makes me feel like I'm the most important patient he has. He is calm, relaxed, informative, patient and gentle...I have heard nothing but positive feedback from the people I've sent
    Thank you for over 20 years of compassionate and technically excellent dental care."
    Christine Kowal - Swampscott, MA
  • "We come from Wakefield to see Dr. Katz. He has been our family dentist for the last 10 years and my husbands dentist since he was a kid. Today my very anxious 7 year old had to have a tooth pulled and Dr. Katz did a wonderful job at making him comfortable. My son got through the experience with flying colors and no tantrums. We would highly recommend him as a dentist!"
    Nicole Jennings
  • "My husband and I are long term patients of this practice because of the trust it has earned with us over time. They are thorough, careful and up to date on new techniques. One never feels like a "number" because there is very little staff turnover .....clearly a plus. We recommend them without hesitation!"
    Michelle Genereux

Our Location

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Hours of Operation

Hours below do not reflect our 'temporary' modified schedule. Please call the office for details.

Monday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

12:00 pm-8:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

7:00 am-4:00 pm

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed