oral health screening - frequently asked questions

1. What is Perioscopy?
Perioscopy is a new procedure using a miniature dental endoscope with advanced video, lighting and magnification technology that enables your dentist or hygienist to diagnose and treat areas below the gumline non-surgically.

2. How does the dental endoscope work?
A miniature camera is attached to a tiny probe and then gently placed below the gumline. The images are immediately displayed on a chairside video screen for your clinician and you to see. The dental endoscope provides up to 48 times magnification, disclosing minute details under the gums that, before the advent of this technology, might easily be missed.

3. What are the advantages of Perioscopy?
Perioscopy allows your clinician to see, accurately diagnose and effectively treat periodontal and other dental conditions, which might otherwise go undetected and ultimately undermine your oral health and perhaps even affect your overall well-being. Perioscopy is a great new toll in the preservation of natural teeth and the fight against periodontal disease.

4. Is Perioscopy right for me?
If you have one or more pockets over 4mm deep, as well as other suspected dental conditions, then you may be a candidate for Perioscopy. If you are being treated for periodontal disease, the goal of a Perioscopy treatment is to get a tooth root exceptionally clean so that the gums and other surrounding tissues can become healthier. Perioscopy is especially effective in the "esthetic zone" or the teeth you see when you smile.

5. Can surgery be avoided with Perioscopy?
In many cases, the need for surgery may be avoided. Gum surgery is a frequently used therapy for patients with advanced periodontitis. Now Perioscopy offers another option which can be used to treat you comfortably and effectively without the apprehensiveness and discomfort of surgery. Your dentist or hygienist will outline your treatment options, and together you can decide which options works best for you.

6. How long does Perioscopy take?
Because of the intricate clinical nature of Perioscopy, procedures tend to take a bit longer than a standard appointment with a Dentist or Hygienist. Depending on the condition and location of the teeth being cared for, treatment usually takes from one to two hours. (Your Dentist may also view one or more of your tooth roots in a shorter appointment to evaluate non-periodontal problems.)

7. Is Perioscopy expensive?
Perioscopy treatment is often roughly the same or a little less than the cost of surgery. Patients frequently report that Perioscopy was definitely a worthwhile investment and helped them to save their natural teeth.

8. Does it hurt?
Generally, there is very little, if any, discomfort during a Perioscopy appointment. Some patients can be treated without anesthesia, while other patients prefer to be numb. Your clinician is committed to taking the appropriate steps to ensure your comfort.

9. What can I expect?
Many times a deep pocket will improve, sometimes significantly, although each patient may respond differently.