Four steps to soft tissue management: non-surgical periodontal therapy.

Soft tissue management or nonsurgical periodontal therapy is based upon the current concepts of the dental plaque and the nature of periodontal disease progression. It is the initial step in the management of adult periodontitis and in those patients who, for what ever reasons, do not wish surgery, it is an excellent second choice of therapy. STM can be done by the general dentist and/or the hygienist. When done properly with the appropriate use of ultrasonics, antibiotics, irrigation (in the office and the home) and regular recalls to the dentist, it can produce marked improvement in the periodontal health of the patients and can be a very rewarding experience for the dentist and the hygienist, and above all the patient.