- Dental Implants
- Cosmetic Dentistry
- Periodontal Disease
- Restorative Dentistry
- Oral Surgery
- Sedation Dentistry
- Teeth Whitening and Bleaching
- i-CAT Technology
- E4D Technology
- Dental Exam & Cleaning
- Root Canal Treatment
- Sleep Apnea
Scaling and Root Planing
The purpose of scaling and root planing is to remove those agents within the mouth that contribute to inflammation of the tissue and bone. Plaque and tartar will be scaled off of the teeth, leaving them in a healthier condition. Patients suffering from gingivitis and more advanced forms of periodontal disease will greatly benefit from having scaling and root planing performed. The procedure can be done to prevent periodontal disease and also as a treatment for those patients who are already suffering from some form of disease.
Controlling periodontal disease can prevent disease in other areas of the body. When bacteria form in the mouth, they can travel via the bloodstream to other parts of the body. Heart disease and lung infections have been linked to periodontal disease. When scaling and root planing is performed, it controls the bacteria within the mouth and prevents it from traveling to other parts of the body, thus controlling more than just disease in the mouth.
Periodontal disease is the main cause of tooth loss. When the pockets in the gums exceed three millimeters and get deeper, more bacteria will form within these pockets. Inflammation will soon develop as the body's response to this process, which in turn starts to destroy gum tissue and bone mass. Loss of teeth will be the result.
Scaling and root planing is a procedure involved in treating periodontal disease that helps remove plaque, tartar and agents causing the inflammation in gum and bone, and eliminates the cause of bad breathe.
Removing plaque and tartar has cosmetic benefits. When this process is performed, superficial stains on the teeth will also be removed at the same time. The teeth will have a brighter appearance as a result of this procedure. Scaling and root planing will also eliminate the causes of halitosis, or bad breath.
Our doctor will perform a thorough examination of the teeth and gums to see if scaling and root planing is necessary. X-rays will also be taken, and our doctor will make the decision as to whether the procedure is needed. If it is, it may be done under local anesthesia.
When scaling the teeth, special dental instruments are used to remove plaque and tartar. An irrigation process may be part of the scaling tool, which will deliver antimicrobial agents below the gumline to reduce bacteria.
In root planing, cementum and surface dentin containing unhealthy material are removed from the teeth. The roots of the teeth are actually smoothed, promoting healing.
After these procedures have been performed, antibiotics may be used in the gum pockets to further aid in healing.