What perioscope therapy is.
A perioscope is a dental endoscope: a fiber-optic bundle in a sterile sheath introduced subgingivally, with a fluid stream to keep the field clear, displaying the root surface on a monitor at high magnification.
Deposit location, extent, and complete removal can be confirmed visually rather than inferred tactilely. Root anatomy — concavities, furcations, restorative overhangs, cemental tears — is directly observable.
The subgingival field as it appears on the monitor during treatment.
Adjunct to scaling and root planing, not a replacement for it, and not a replacement for surgical therapy where surgical therapy is indicated. Often preceded by a full-mouth debridement when heavy supragingival calculus is present.
Local anesthetic, quadrant-by-quadrant work. Chair time depends on scope:
| Scope | Time |
|---|---|
| 1–3 teeth | 60 minutes |
| 4–6 teeth / one quadrant | 90 minutes |
| 2 quadrants (half mouth) | 2 hours |
| Full mouth | 4.5 hours |
Re-evaluation and probing at 8 weeks. Perio maintenance every 3 months, with the patient's own dentist and hygienist.
Read the post-operative instructions →