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Local measures

Local Measures

Necrotising gingivitis, necrotising periodontitis and pericoronitis should be treated with local measures in the first instance.

  • In the case of necrotising gingivitis and necrotising periodontitis, carry out professional mechanical plaque removal (PMPR),* provide oral hygiene advice and smoking cessation advice (if applicable).
  • In the case of pericoronitis, carry out irrigation and PMPR.
  • Advise optimal analgesia.

N.B. Due to the pain associated with necrotising gingivitis and necrotising periodontitis, the patient may only be able to tolerate limited PMPR in the acute phase and local anaesthesia may be required.

* PMPR: professional mechanical plaque removal. This is defined as the control of dental plaque biofilm and calculus and the management of the crown and root surface during periodontal care. PMPR was previously described by terms including scale and polish, supra- and subgingival scaling, supragingival mechanical biofilm control, root planing, root surface debridement, scaling and curettage.