Perioscopy is only one part of the synergistic RPE - Regenerative Periodontal Endoscopy - protocol, but is crucial to excellent overall results for many reasons. Perioscopy is a non-invasive way to view and clean root surfaces without surgery using micro-diamond piezo ultrasonic tips.  Even the deepest pockets are cleaned to perfection. 

The dental endoscope fiber optic is less than 1mm in diameter and incorporates powerful illumination with magnification.  It is essentially like using a miniature microscope under the gums. The image is viewed live on a high resolution flat panel color monitor. It takes a great deal of daily skill and experience to perform perioscopy with proficiency.  It also requires the proper pairing of technologies to achieve consistently great results.

Below are four still endoscopic pictures viewing the area between the root and gums (the sulcus) during perioscopy.  Click on images to enlarge (Images provided by DentalView, Inc. - taken by Gayle Meyers, RDH and Roger Stambaugh, DDS).

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SCI 3:  Subgingival Calculus Index 3 is calculus that extends beyond the plane of the root, it can be felt and possibly seen in x-rays (radiographic calculus).

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SCI 2:  Subgingival Calculus Index 2 is calculus which cannot be felt with instruments (explorers) beneath the gum line…also known as burnished calculus.  It is left behind following traditional root planing because it is very smooth and can fill depressions, furcations, and flutings in the roots.

Burnished calculus may be left on the roots following traditional root planing.  Burnished calculus cannot be seen or felt with traditional techniques beyond a depth of 4mm, and 30-50% of the root may have residual calculus; infection and inflammation may persist.

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SCI 1:  Subgingival Calculus Index 1 is microscopic calculus which cannot be seen or felt, even with direct vision, as in surgery.  Commonly referred to as “glitter”, SCI 1 is found in all depths of pockets and even on exposed recessed root surfaces…inflammation may persist.

The presence of microscopic calculus can be identified and removed by highly experienced individuals using a dental endoscope.  Surgical microscopes and loupes do not reveal this truth because they do not incorporate 48X magnification with tremendous illumination.  In addition, a surgical microscope cannot be placed beneath the gums.  Note: Only a scanning electron microscope on extracted teeth will reveal this detail.

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SCI 0:  Subgingival Calculus Index Zero is what we refer to as “perioscopy clean”.  This is the goal of non-invasive perioscopy treatment.  When roots are microscopically cleaned of toxic allergens and accretions, reattachment and healing occur in all depths of pockets.

The limitations of current traditional techniques, such as root planing, was unknown until the innovation of the dental endoscope (perioscope).  Using lasers beneath the gum blindly, root planing tactiley in deep pockets, or performing periodontal surgery without an endoscope, may allow toxic calculus to remain embedded in the roots, hence, periodontal inflammation and infection continue.

 Important: There are millions of individuals in periodontal maintenance cleanings who have persistent chronic infection and inflammation below the gum line, potentially creating serious health problems. 

Early perioscopy research revealed clinical results never before thought possible.  The ability to treat all stages of periodontal disease without surgery was a tremendous breakthrough.  The early research and numerous publications can be reviewed at www.perioscopyinc.com . 

However, this early research was only the beginning.  At PerioPeak Innovations, regenerative periodontal techniques aimed at ensuring long term results has been our mission for nearly a decade, taking perioscopy to a much higher level with RPE - Regenerative Periodontal Endoscopy.