At first, a general medical inquiry is made, which covers current medications, habits, and co-existing illnesses (e.g. diabetes, high blood pressure) of the patient, that can contribute to the current symptoms or create unwanted effects. We then evaluate clinical as well as radiological findings and measure the depth of the gums.
Next the bacterial infection must be treated. Therefore, the therapy begins with a visit to the clinics hygiene specialist where a professional cleaning is provided. The gums surrounding the teeth and the upper roots are numbed through a local anesthetic, then cleaned. Improved probing methods and specialized instruments are then employed to remove tartar deep beneath the gums and to flush the roots (curettage).
The main goal of initial therapy is to destroy the germs which have contributed to the present condition.