If you have been told that you have periodontal disease, don’t proceed with treatment before finding out if you are a candidate for the perioscope. Â
For the vast majority of patients with periodontal disease, the goal of treatment is to remove the plaque, (bacteria) and calcified plaque (tartar or calculus), to eliminate the infection and prevent progressive damage. The perioscope is a very small camera that is placed gently below the gum in the area of concern. It illuminates the site and then magnifies it 48 times.Â
Before the perioscope was available, periodontists were limited to a surgical approach, done with the use of loupes, (special glasses) that provide at most 4 times magnification. Although 4x is fairly dramatic, it is only 1/12 the sensitivity of the perioscope. Visibility of the problem area is critical whether the treating doctor is using conventional surgical instruments or a laser, and can critically affect the outcome of treatment. Improved visibility translates to a significantly higher percentage of the plaque and calculus being successfully removed and therefore a potentially better result than without the perioscope.  Â
It is important to note that the perioscope:
- Is more conservative than surgery. There is no cutting involved.
- Is often even more effective than surgery thanks to the magnification.
- Is not covered by dental insurance. However, the perioscope costs less than surgery, and since there is always a  co-pay with surgery, it may actually cost you less than treatment covered by insurance. Â
We are one of only two offices in the Pittsburgh area to offer the perioscope and we have been doing so since 2000.  To learn more about the perioscope, visit our website at www.pittsburghimplantsandperio.com or call us at 412-487-8288.