Being diagnosed with a stage of periodontal disease can be a formidable experience. There should be several treatment options based on your case, and there are specifics you need to know about this disease. Your dental team will walk through your options when it comes to the proper treatment. One option is perioscopy, an advanced noninvasive approach of removing the buildup of both plaque and tartar from beneath your gums.
What is a Perioscope?
Perioscopy is a procedure that employs a tiny dental endoscope, or small fiber-optic camera that both illuminates and magnifies the targeted area. The perioscope is gently navigated beneath your gumline, or in the spaces between your teeth and gums, which are called periodontal pockets or gaps. Once positioned, the periscope will give your dentist a 45X magnified and comprehensive view of the root surfaces and affected gum tissues, which is viewed by your dental team on a large computer screen. Your dentist will use the perioscope in conjunction with scaling and root planing, which is routine periodontal cleaning.
Are You a Candidate for a Perioscope
When it comes to gum disease, seeking dental care early will reduce your risk of many other oral health issues. If you have inflamed, bleeding gums, bad breath, or other indicators of gum disease, you might be an ideal candidate for periodontal treatment with a perioscope.
What are The Benefits of Perioscopy?
There are always benefits to different procedures, but treating your gum disease with a perioscope can benefit you in more ways than one. The benefits of using a perioscope can include:
- Minimally Invasive- The procedure does not use any surgical steps and is considered comfortable.
- A Clear Field of Vision of the Treatment Site- The tiny camera used allows the specific treatment area to be magnified by 45x and to be visualized by your dental team on a monitor.
- Better Cleaning Process- Since your dentist can see the treatment site, they can quickly and effectively clean the specific area.
- Little Downtime- Since this procedure is not surgical and stitches are not required, it has a shorter recovery time.
- Minimal Discomfort- Little discomfort, and your gums will be numbed during the treatment.
- Periodontal Health- Will improve dramatically.
- Gum Surgery- Risks reduced.
- Success Rate- Enhances the effectiveness of your gum disease treatment.
- Cost- Is a cost-effective alternative to surgical care.
The benefits of using a perioscope make it an ideal option for treating gum disease before it advances.
What is Recovery like after a Perioscope?
You may experience a little discomfort for a few days, but this can be treated with an over-the-counter pain reliever. Your dental team will schedule a follow-up appointment to confirm that you are healing properly. Your dentist will also evaluate your progress. If you need any additional treatment, your dental team will advise you at this time. It is also important to continue good oral hygiene habits after your treatment to make sure your periodontal disease does not return. This includes:
- Brushing twice a day.
- Flossing once a day.
- Using mouthwash.
- Continuing your preventative dental exams twice a year.
This simple and basic oral hygiene routine will help prevent plaque and tartar from forming again and causing further issues.
