Is there any alternative to gum surgery for severe gum disease?

Our office has started using the Perio Protect^® system to treat gum disease when more conservative techniques, such as frequent dental cleanings, are not successful. Perio Protect involves forcing medication beneath the gum, where bacteria are found, by having the patient wear mouth trays that create a positive pressure. Depending on the severity of the disease, a patient may have to wear the trays for up to four times a day, for 10-15 minutes each treatment. When the disease is under control, the patient wears the trays twice a day for ten minutes each treatment. This method is attractive because it has a maintenance phase to prevent relapse.