How Does Perioscopy Work?

Perioscopy is a non-invasive way to view and clean root surfaces using micro-diamond ultrasonic tips and a dental endoscope fiber less than 1mm in diameter with tremendously powerful illumination.  The image is viewed live on a high resolution flat screen monitor at 24-48X magnification.  It takes a great deal of skill and experience to perform perioscopy with proficiency.  It also takes the proper pairing of technologies to achieve consistently great results.

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.  This early research was only the beginning...at PerioPeak Innovations, regenerative periodontal techniques aimed at ensuring long term results has been a labor of love, taking perioscopy to another level with RPE(TM) - Regenerative Periodontal Endoscopy.

Why may perioscopy yield better results clinically than root planing, laser periodontal therapy, or flap/osseous gum surgery?  It's simple.  None of these procedures employ the use of a sub-gingival microscope (dental endoscope)...one cannot effectively remove toxins from the roots if they do not even know they exist. Perioscopy is highly definitive and effective when used properly. The following post will help clarify this concept.

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

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).

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.

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 individuals using a dental endoscope.  Surgical microscopes and loupes do not reveal this truth because they do not have 48X magnification with tremendous illumination as well. In addition, a surgical microscope cannot be placed beneath the gums.  Note: Only a scanning electron microscope on extracted teeth will reveal this detail.

SCI 0:  Subgingival Calculus Index Zero is what we refer to as "perioscopy clean"!  This is the goal of non-invasive perioscopy treatment. 

We did not discover the "ugly" objecive truth about the ineffectiveness of our current traditional techniques until the innovation of dental endoscopy (perioscopy).  Using lasers beneath the gum blindly, root planing blindly, and/or surgery without an endoscope, may allow toxic calculus to remain embedded in the roots, hence periodontal inflammation and infection ensue. 

Removing microscopic toxins from the roots allows the body to heal and regenerate.  Perioscopy is performed in one appointment without the need for repetative treatments.  At PerioPeak Innovations we have combined several advanced technologies to create and restore periodontal health.