Scaling & Root Planing

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Scaling & Root Planing

Restoring Gum Health with Expert Periodontal Care

At our periodontal practice, we specialize in scaling and root planing, a deep cleaning procedure that effectively treats gum disease and promotes overall oral health. This non-surgical treatment is designed to remove harmful bacteria, plaque, and tartar from beneath the gum line, helping to halt the progression of periodontal disease and prevent further damage to your teeth and supporting structures.

Our experienced team utilizes advanced techniques and state-of-the-art equipment to ensure thorough and gentle care. We understand the importance of maintaining healthy gums and are committed to providing personalized treatment plans that address your unique needs and concerns. With scaling and root planing, we can help you achieve optimal gum health and preserve your natural smile for years to come.

Key Benefits of Scaling & Root Planing

Choosing the right treatment for gum disease can significantly impact your overall health and well-being. Here are the key benefits of Scaling & Root Planing:

  • Prevents Gum Disease Progression: Scaling and root planing effectively removes bacteria and toxins that contribute to gum inflammation, stopping the advancement of periodontal disease and protecting your oral health.
  • Improves Gum Attachment: By smoothing root surfaces, this procedure promotes the reattachment of healthy gums to teeth, reducing pocket depths and creating a healthier oral environment.
  • Freshens Breath: Eliminating bacteria and infected tissue not only improves gum health but also addresses persistent bad breath, boosting your confidence in social situations.
  • Protects Overall Health: Treating gum disease through scaling and root planing can positively impact your systemic health, potentially reducing risks associated with heart disease, diabetes, and other conditions linked to periodontal inflammation.
  • Preserves Natural Teeth: By addressing gum disease early, scaling and root planing can help prevent tooth loss and the need for more invasive treatments in the future, saving you time, discomfort, and expenses.

Patient Resources

  • After Care Instructions
  • Patient Forms
  • Meet the Doctor
  • Directions

The Evaluation Stage

What to Expect During Consultation

When you visit our office for a consultation, our skilled periodontist will conduct a comprehensive examination of your gums and teeth. We’ll assess the extent of any gum disease, measure pocket depths, and may take x-rays to evaluate bone levels. This thorough evaluation allows us to determine if scaling and root planing is the most appropriate treatment for your specific case.

During this appointment, we’ll discuss our findings with you in detail, explaining the condition of your gums and the benefits of scaling and root planing. We encourage you to ask questions and share any concerns you may have. Our team will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your needs and helps you achieve optimal oral health.

What to Expect During the Procedure

  • Scaling: When scaling is performed, calculus and plaque that attaches to the tooth surfaces is removed. The process especially targets the area below the gum line, along the root. Scaling is performed with a special dental tool called an ultrasonic scaling tool. The scaling tool usually includes an irrigation process that can be used to deliver an antimicrobial agent below the gums to help reduce oral bacteria.
  • Root Planing: Root planing is performed in order to remove cementum and surface dentin that is embedded with unwanted microorganisms, toxins and tartar. The root of the tooth is literally smoothed, which promotes healing, and also helps prevent bacteria from easily colonizing in the future.
Antibiotics or irrigation with anti-microbials (chemical agents or mouth rinses) may be recommended to help control the growth of bacteria that create toxins and cause periodontitis. In some cases, we may place antibiotic fibers in the periodontal pockets after scaling and planing. This may be done to control infection and to encourage normal healing. When deep pockets between teeth and gums are present, it is not possible to thoroughly remove plaque and tartar or infection. Patients can seldom, if ever, keep these pockets clean and free of plaque. Consequently, surgery may be needed to restore periodontal health.

After scaling and root planing, it’s normal to experience some sensitivity and minor discomfort for a few days. Your gums may feel tender, and your teeth might be sensitive to temperature changes. We’ll provide you with detailed aftercare instructions to manage these symptoms and promote healing. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help alleviate any discomfort, and rinsing with warm salt water can soothe your gums.

You may notice some bleeding when brushing or flossing in the days following the procedure. This is normal and should subside as your gums heal. It’s crucial to maintain good oral hygiene during this time, gently brushing and flossing as instructed to support the healing process. We recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoiding hard or crunchy foods for the first few days after treatment.

Most patients can return to their normal activities immediately after the procedure. However, we advise avoiding strenuous exercise for the first 24 hours to minimize bleeding and promote healing. You’ll likely notice improvements in gum health within a few weeks, with reduced inflammation and firmer, pinker gums. We’ll schedule a follow-up appointment to assess your healing progress and determine if any additional treatments are necessary to maintain your gum health.

At our periodontal practice, we’re committed to providing exceptional care and support throughout your treatment process. By choosing scaling and root planing with our experienced team, you’re taking a crucial step toward improved gum health and a brighter, more confident smile.