Do you know anyone that has been diagnosed with gingivitis? It might be yourself or a loved one. The word itself sounds intimidating and the symptoms can be really painful. Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease and it is important to not let it progress to periodontitis, which is a more aggressive stage of gum disease. If you or a loved one is suffering from this, it is crucial to receive “scaling and root planing”, also known as the “gold standard” of treatment for patients with periodontitis which involves deep cleaning.
When bacterial plaque and tartar accumulate around your gums, periodontal disease can develop and cause deep pockets to form. When a patient has advanced gum disease including bad breath, tartar buildup and pockets greater than 4 mm deep, the first step to treating this condition is scaling and root planing.
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What is Scaling and Root Planing?
Scaling and Root Planing is a non-surgical treatment and luckily does not require cutting or drilling. This deep cleaning does wonders for your oral and periodontal health because it focuses on cleaning the gums and the areas your toothbrush and floss are missing.
At Bellaire Periodontics, Dr. Warren will work closely with your hygienist to make sure this treatment is virtually pain free.
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Candidates for Scaling and Root Planing
You suffer from bleeding gums, significant build-up and deep pockets.
Do you currently have any of these symptoms?
Have a possibility of tooth loss
Have bad breath
Have gum disease
Have pain while eating and chewing and your lifestyle has been affected
Maybe it’s all of the above, then you are at the right place to find a solution to your painful days. Dr. Warren will recommend our non-surgical procedure to help you avoid tooth loss and bad breath. Also, scaling and root planing will allow you to prevent the progression of gum disease to give you an improved lifestyle.
What to expect at your Scaling and Root Planing Procedure at Bellaire Periodontics
This treatment is the best way for us to restore the health of your teeth and gums. By removing the plaque and tartar on your teeth and controlling the growth of infection-causing bacteria in your gums, your mouth will look and feel healthier.
Does Scaling and Root Planing Hurt?
Local anesthetic will be applied before the procedure to help minimize pain. There may be some discomfort after the procedure is completed.
During your exam, our team member will also take radiographs, which allow our periodontist to detect any boss loss or infection. Then your hygienist will probe your gum tissue and check the depth of the pocketing around your teeth.
After evaluating your periodontal disease, the hygienist will keep you comfortable during the procedure by applying a local anesthetic to keep your gums numb.
Scaling: Removal of tartar and plaque from all your teeth and around the gum.
Root Planing: A metal instrument will help deep clean your gums and remove plaque inside your gums and tooth root. Also, all rough areas on the enamel damaged by the periodontal infection will be smoothed out.
The hygienist will recommend a follow up to monitor your gum health and healing process.
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Scaling and Root Planing Aftercare
Make sure to follow all of our recommendations including:
- For pain, avoid taking aspirin. Take ibuprofen or a medicated pain relief prescribed by Dr. Warren.
- Continue brushing at least twice a day.
- Replacing your toothbrush when bristles are worn.
- Flossing daily between your teeth.
- Using a salt water rinse or antimicrobial mouthwash for quick recovery.
Say hello to a healthy beautiful smile! :)
Our patients will feel very happy after the scaling and root planing treatment.
You will be able to enjoy those delicious meals that you haven’t been able to chew on like you used to.
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Thank you for being a part of our family at Bellaire Periodontics.
For further information please contact the professionals at Bellaire Periodontics today.
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