You may or may not have heard the term “Soft Tissue Management,” which is a non-surgical alternative for treating periodontal disease. Since more than 70 percent of adults suffer from periodontal disease at some point and no one especially likes going under the knife, this is a service we perform here at Dr. Curtis H. Roy & Associates on a regular basis. In fact, all of our dental hygienists also are periodontal therapists.

What Is Soft Tissue Management?

“Soft Tissue Management is more thorough than a regular cleaning,” explains dental hygienist Janis Barber. “When we see a patient with gum issues — bleeding, swelling, bad breath, etc., that can be related to periodontal disease — removing all of the deposits above and especially below the gum line helps to restore gum health.”

More specifically, a dental professional employs hand instruments for scaling a root planing; piezo scalers or ultrasonic scalers, which are gentle laser-like devices; antibiotic therapy; and/or irrigation treatments featuring chlorhexidine and fluoride. This results in decreased inflammation and a reduction of periodontal pocket depth, plaque, and bleeding.

People undergoing Soft Tissue Management typically come in to the office for treatments quarterly and practice home maintenance between visits. Included in our Soft Tissue Management program is the Rotadent ‒‒ the most effective motorized toothbrush available for home use on the market, recommended by dentists across the nation, and created by Dr. Roy! An antibacterial mouthwash also enhances results.

Is Soft Tissue Management Right for You?

“Not everyone is a candidate for Soft Tissue Management,” said Barber. “If you think you might be, the first step is to come in for an examination. We will evaluate to see if your gum disease is mild, moderate or severe and develop a treatment plan accordingly.”

If neglected for too long, periodontal disease may require traditional surgical treatment. To schedule a diagnostic appointment, call our office at 337-981-9811.

NOTE: The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.