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Non-Surgical Perio Therapy

Effective, non-invasive treatment designed to restore gum health, stop the progression of gum disease, and protect the long-term stability of your smile.

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What is Non-Surgical Perio Therapy?

Non-surgical periodontal therapy refers to the range of deep cleaning and preventive treatments used to treat gum disease without the need for surgery. These treatments work by removing the bacteria, plaque, and buildup that have accumulated below the gum line, allowing the gums to heal and reattach to the teeth naturally. For most patients with early to moderate gum disease, non-surgical therapy is the first and often only line of treatment needed to restore gum health.

Non-surgical periodontal therapy is not just a cleaning. It goes significantly deeper than a routine hygiene appointment and is specifically designed to address the bacteria and buildup that are causing active gum disease.

Non-surgical periodontal therapy is tailored to the specific stage and severity of your gum disease. Your provider will evaluate your gum health thoroughly and build a treatment plan focused on stopping the progression of disease and restoring the foundation of your smile.

Here is what most patients can expect from the Non-Surgical Perio Therapy process at a glance:

2–4
Appointments typically needed to
complete treatment
4–8
Weeks for gums to show
measurable improvement
3–4
Months between maintenance visits
after treatment

Types of Non-Surgical Perio Therapy

The appliance recommended for you will depend on your specific periodontal needs and treatment goals.
 
 

Scaling and Root Planning

Scaling and root planing is the most common non-surgical treatment for gum disease and is often the first procedure recommended after a periodontal diagnosis. During treatment your provider carefully removes plaque, tartar, and bacteria from below the gum line and smooths the root surfaces of the teeth to make it harder for bacteria to reattach. Most patients require two to four appointments to complete a full mouth treatment, and many see significant improvement in gum health within four to eight weeks of completing the procedure.

When Is Non-Surgical Perio Therapy Recommended? 

 
Your provider may recommend non-surgical treatment if any of the following apply to your gum health or periodontal evaluation.
 
 

Early to moderate gum disease

Gum disease that has been caught before significant bone or tissue loss has occurred and can still be effectively treated without surgical intervention.

 

Bleeding or inflamed gums

Gums that bleed regularly during brushing or flossing and show signs of active infection or inflammation that requires
targeted treatment.

 

Deep gum pockets

Spaces between the teeth and gums that have deepened due to bacteria and buildup and need to be cleaned below the gum line to restore proper attachment.

 

Preventive maintenance

Patients who have previously been treated for gum disease and need ongoing periodontal care to prevent the condition from returning or progressing further.

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What To Expect

A step-by-step look at the non-surgical perio therapy process at Smart Dental Network.
  
Dentist with patient performing inspection
1

Periodontal evaluation

Your provider examines your gums, measures pocket depth, and reviews X-rays to assess the extent of gum disease and determine the right course of treatment.

2

Deep cleaning treatment

Your provider performs scaling and root planing to remove bacteria and buildup from below the gum line, typically completed over two to four appointments.

3

Ongoing maintenance

Once active treatment is complete your provider schedules regular maintenance visits to monitor your gum health and protect your results over time.

After Your Treatment

Consistency at home plays a big role in protecting your results. Here is what to keep in mind after non-surgical perio therapy.

Daily

Oral hygiene

Brush twice a day and floss daily, paying close attention to the gum line where bacteria tends to accumulate and reinfection is most likely to occur.

As Directed

Prescribed care

If your provider has recommended a prescription rinse or antibiotic therapy, follow the instructions closely to support healing and prevent bacteria from returning.

Ongoing

Maintenance visits

Keep all scheduled periodontal maintenance appointments. These visits are essential for monitoring your gum health and catching any signs of recurrence early.

Looking for a more advanced option?

Surgical Perio Therapy

For cases where gum disease has progressed beyond what non-surgical treatment can address, surgical perio therapy offers targeted procedures to repair and restore gum and bone health.

Learn more →
Patient with dentist discussing next steps

Related Resources

 
From our resource center, helpful reading to support you before, during, and after
your non-surgical periodontal treatment.
 
  
Explore Our Resources

Have a Concern You'd Like Evaluated?

 
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