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NON-SURGICAL SERVICES

Non-Surgical Services for Periodontal Therapy

One of the foundations of the Synergy Periodontics and Implants treatment philosophy is practicing conservative periodontal therapy to include non-surgical services. Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums that can spread to the bone beneath your teeth, destroying the foundation of your oral health and it is one of the leading causes of tooth loss. Treating periodontal disease is critical in preventing the progression of the disease into the bone and avoiding tooth loss, and we offer non-surgical services to help.

If you have been diagnosed with periodontal disease, you will receive an individualized treatment plan that includes non-surgical services to address the infection by deep cleaning the gum pockets and root surface. Synergy Periodontics and Implants utilizes modern techniques to diagnose and manage periodontal disease. Many patients are able to achieve periodontal health with non-surgical services, non-invasive and affordable periodontal treatment. The combination of regular periodontal checkups and a good oral hygiene routine at home will help keep your periodontal disease stable.

TISSUE AND ROOT THERAPY

Scaling and root planing, also known as tissue and root therapy, is one of our non-surgical services that will remove plaque buildup from below the gum line and smooth the root surfaces to prohibit bacteria from rebuilding. The tissue and root therapy non-surgical service is performed under local anesthetic and patients usually experience little to no discomfort afterwards.


Periodontal disease is a chronic condition that requires regular monitoring and a long-term management plan. Synergy Periodontics and Implants offers patients a lifelong, proactive monitoring regimen of periodontal disease to ensure that the disease remains inactive and our patients can avoid the loss of natural teeth. Periodontal maintenance visits are suggested 3-4 times per year to closely monitor any changes or progression of the disease. When necessary, we can provide non-surgical services or interceptive periodontal procedures to treat any areas or pockets that show signs of disease activity.

Synergy Periodontics and Implants believes that preventative dentistry is the best dentistry.

CHECK YOUR WORK!

Dental plaque can be hard to see. Using a plaque dye (disclosing solution) can help show you the areas with bacteria on your teeth. You can buy this at most drug stores, or request it at your next visit to our office.

Brushing should always be done with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a small movement; avoid the “scrubbing” and “back and forth” technique. Instead, gently sweep the bristles from the gumline up to the biting surface of the teeth. A pressure sensitive electric brush may also be useful to help alert you if you’re applying too much pressure.

When flossing, be careful to not traumatize or cut the gums. After complete healing from your grafting, resume the “c-shaped” flossing technique.

Dental implants do not have the same “seal” around them as teeth do. For this reason, a special kind of floss is needed. “Super floss” is fluffier and grabs onto the bacteria that can accumulate on the abutment (connector) and underside of the crown better than regular floss. Super floss is used in the “c-shaped” technique (see above); be sure to extend it as far below the gum and crown as it comfortably goes. This should be done at least once per day.

Patients with implant bridges or full arch prostheses should use a combination of tooth brush, interdental brush, super floss and an oral irrigator. Check with Dr. Thanos Dounis or Dr. Christos Gousias on which methods are best for you and your mouth.

TIPS FOR PATIENTS WITH PERIODONTAL DISEASE

Hold the bristles of your soft toothbrush directed to the point where the tooth meets the gum. Make small side to side motions to disrupt the bacteria. Only cover 2-3 teeth at a time, and then move the brush and work your way around. Be sure to get all surfaces; following a routine helps. For example, start on the upper right molars that are facing the inside of the cheeks, and then after getting to the upper left molars, go to the “inside” and brush where the tooth meets the roof of the mouth. On the lower, be sure to get the inner (or tongue side) of all the lower teeth.  The biting surfaces or “tops” of the teeth also need to be brushed.  Tooth brushing should take place twice a day, or as directed by Dr. Thanos Dounis. Electric toothbrushes are safe and can be used by most patients without difficulty. They make your job easier! Ask Dr. Thanos Dounis about which type they recommend for you.

For teeth that do not have spaces between them, use the “c-shaped flossing” technique. Gently work the floss between the teeth, wrap the floss around one tooth and gently move the floss up and down 5+ times to disrupt the bacteria between the teeth and under the gumline. Do this for every tooth that fits tight next to its neighbor, once a day.

For teeth that have space between them, custom-sized brushes are more effective than floss and you don’t have to floss these teeth! Many of our patients love TePe. Use the brush by inserting it between the teeth and move it in and out 2-3 times to disrupt the bacteria on both sides of the neighboring teeth, as well as the grooves between the roots of your teeth. These brushes should be used 1-2 times a day, and the brushes may last up to 1 week.

An antibacterial rinse reduces the overall bacterial load in your mouth by reaching your tongue, palate, floor of your mouth and the lining of your cheeks.  Listerine (and many store brand rinses) have the ADA seal of acceptance to reduce gingivitis and plaque. Read more about the ADA Seal of Acceptance.

Patients with exposed roots may experience tooth sensitivity and have a higher risk for root decay. Protecting the exposed roots can decrease sensitivity and reduce the chance of root cavities. For this reason, most periodontal patients benefit from using a prescription strength toothpaste (Prevident 5000) in addition to an over-the-counter toothpaste. Ask Dr. Thanos Dounis if you need a prescription toothpaste at your next visit.

Mechanical removal of the bacterial film is best performed using floss or interproximal brushes. For patients who are unable or unwilling to use floss or interproximal brushes, an oral irrigator can help reduce the bacteria by flushing high pressure water between your teeth and gums. Ask us about an oral irrigator at your next visit.

You may be surprised how many bacteria live on your tongue! Rinsing and brushing your tongue will help, but a tongue cleaner (tongue scraper) will remove it the best. You’d be surprised how much fresher your breath is if you start cleaning your tongue every night!

Success Stories

My hygienist Angie had recommended using the Tepe brushes instead of floss due to the large gaps between my teeth. What a difference this has made! Great checkups both here and at my regular dentist. I use them everyday faithfully. Thank you Angie!!!!

Cheryl G.

I am a patient at Synergy Periodontics and I highly recommend this office.My hygienist Angie is outstanding and very gentle. I was pleased to be greeted today by Angela and talking yesterday with Amy who called with an appointment and remembered what days and time I’m available (even though I am only there every 6 months). Drs. Pttman and Thanos Dounis are both very good and I recommend them both.

Patricia S.
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Changing Lives

One Smile At A Time

Our commitment to conservative, patient-centered care is complemented by state-of-the-art technology and a dedication to ongoing education. We provide a warm, friendly environment and a strong connection to the community, and work to ensure that every patient receives exceptional care tailored to their unique needs. Request an appointment today to achieve the smile of your dreams!

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 superior, patient-centered, specialized care.

unrivaled results.

609 Emancipation Hwy, Suite 101, Fredericksburg, VA 22401

(540) 373-3066