Periodontal treatment methods depend upon the type and severity of the disease. Your dentist and dental hygienist will evaluate for periodontal disease and recommend the appropriate treatment.

Periodontal disease progresses as the sulcus (pocket or space) between the tooth and gums gets filled with bacteria, plaque, and tartar, causing irritation to the surrounding tissues. When these irritants remain in the pocket space, they can cause damage to the gums and eventually, the bone that supports the teeth!

If the disease is caught in the early stages of gingivitis, and no damage has been done, one to two regular cleanings will be recommended. You will also be given instructions on improving your daily oral hygiene habits and having regular dental cleanings.

If the disease has progressed to more advanced stages, a special periodontal cleaning called scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) will be recommended. It is usually done one quadrant of the mouth at a time while the area is numb*. In this procedure, tartar, plaque, and toxins are removed from above and below the gum line (scaling) and rough spots on root surfaces are made smooth (planing). This procedure helps gum tissue to heal and pockets to shrink. Medications, special medicated mouth rinses, and an electric tooth brush may be recommended to help control infection and healing.

If the pockets do not heal after scaling and root planning, periodontal surgery may be needed to reduce pocket depths, making teeth easier to clean. Your dentist may also recommend that you see a Periodontist (specialist of the gums and supporting bone).

*Oraqix®

Introducing Oraqix® (lidocaine and prilocaine periodontal gel) 2.5%/2.5%

Oraqix® brings effective, needle-free anesthesia for some adult patients during scaling and/or root planing procedures.

Oraqix® is the first and only FDA approved needle-free subgingival (below the gumline) anesthetic indicated for use in adults requiring localized anesthesia in periodontal pockets during scaling and/or root planing procedures.

Oraqix® avoids patients' needle anxiety by using a blunt tip applicator & dispenser instead of a syringe!

The most common adverse reactions in clinical studies using Oraqix® were application site reactions, headaches, and taste perversion.

Now, thanks to Oraqix®, there is a needle-free option for scaling and/or root planing. Ask your dentist today!

How Oraqix® Works

	Oraqix is applied on the gingival margin around the selected tooth using the blunt-tipped applicator.
	After waiting 30 seconds, the periodontal pocket is then filled with Oraqix until it becomes visible at the gingival margin.
	The dental professional will wait another 30 seconds before starting treatment. Delaying the time before starting the procedure does not enhance the anesthetic effect.
	The scaling and root planing procedure may begin 30 seconds after the application of Oraqix to the periodontal pocket. Anesthetic effect, as assessed by probing of pocket depths, has a duration of approximately 20 minutes (individual patient overall range 14-31 minutes).

Oraqix®, the needle-free subgingival anesthesia for scaling and/or root planing!

Oraqix® does not prevent gum disease or periodontitis.

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