For many years, periodontists, general dentists, and dental hygienists have used scraping, antibiotics, chemical agents, lasers and periodontal surgery to remove from teeth the calculus (tarter), and plaque, that perpetuate periodontal diseases. Because they are unable to see clearly below the gum line, however, these dental clinicians may not completely remove all of the disease-causing deposits.
Perioscopy changes that. Perioscopy makes use of a technology similar to the orthoscopic and endoscopic procedures used in medicine for many years. The Dental Endoscope, or Perioscope™ is an extremely tiny fiber optic camera less than 1mm in diameter, which when used with great skill and efficiency, can eliminate the need for surgical debridement. In addition, if perioscopy is properly paired with regenerative proteins, bone loss damage can be reversed.
The Perioscope illuminates--and magnifies 48 times--the root of the tooth under the gum. This allows a skilled clinician to locate previously undetected root deposits with pinpoint accuracy. This is a much higher magnification than is used in periodontal surgery, yet is non-invasive to perform.
> Read Judy's blog entry on "How Perioscopy Works"
Perioscopy makes use of ultra-tiny, diamond-tipped instruments--fast and precise tools used in a two handed technique. A skilled clinician can remove plaque and calculus without damaging any gum tissue or teeth roots. Gums heal naturally and periodontal regeneration may occur if regenerative proteins are used in conjunction with perioscopy (RPE) - reducing or eliminating the need for aggressive surgery.
RPE - Regenerative Periodontal Endoscopy - utilizing perioscopy technology, can cost thousands less than surgery. Most full mouth periodontal office treatments are four hours of surgery and can require the additonal expense of bone and gum grafting, sedation, etc. Add to this the many follow-up appointments and time off work, not to mention all the pain and suffering and inability to eat or drink comfortably for weeks to months. By choosing perioscopy the patient saves in more ways than one.
The benefits of perioscopy are not just for people suffering from the advanced stages of periodontal disease. When used properly, the perioscope is a very powerful diagnostic tool for the early detection and treatment of many conditions. A routine examination and dental cleaning performed under powerful magnification beneath the gums can reveal problems frequently overlooked by traditional diagnostic methods, such as decay, failing restorations and fractures. These problems left unchecked, including cavities and calculus trapped beneath the gums, can lead to more serious conditions.
PerioPeak Innovations is dedicated to providing patients the benefits of Perioscope technology. We now offer mobile perioscopy services for offices interested in offering this non-surgical treatment to their patients, as well as programs for on-site perioscopy training.
> Read Judy's blog about Periodontal Therapy
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