A healthy smile is a combination of good looking teeth and healthy gums. At Dental Studio of South Tulsa, we are committed to helping you achieve the smile you want. We understand that this commitment requires that we are not only here to assist you with your teeth, but also with helping you find healthy solutions for your gums.
Periodontal Scaling and Root Planing
What Is Periodontal Scaling And Root Planing?
Periodontal scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning service for your teeth and gums. It is a procedure that generally becomes necessary after the gums, bones, and the surrounding tissues in the oral cavity that have become damaged due to periodontitis, a severe inflammatory disease of the mouth. Periodontal scaling involves a process that removes excess plaque and tartar (calculus) surrounding the teeth and gums. Left untreated, excess tartar may lead to gum disease and loss of bone and/or tissue.
According to the Journal of the American Dental Association, scaling and root planing were cited as beneficial treatments to patients with chronic periodontitis.
Who Is At Risk For Gum Disease?
The most common risk factors found in periodontitis patients include:
- Crooked teeth (This makes plaque and tartar more difficult to remove.)
- Poor nutrition (Especially eating sugary foods and drinks often.)
- Long-term stress (A known cause of inflammation.)
- Poor brushing and flossing habits.
- Smoking and/or chewing tobacco continually.
- Some medications (i.e., blood pressure, heart disease, cardiovascular, bacterial pneumonia, seizure or immunosuppressant medication)
Caring For Your Gums After Treatment
After your treatment, you may experience pain for one or two days and teeth sensitivity for up to a week. Also, your gums may bleed as well as feel tender and swollen. If you are prescribed medicine, you will want to make sure to take it in order to prevent infection, control pain, and help you heal. At times, patients receive medicine directly in the cleaned pocket.
A follow-up appointment will be scheduled to see how well your gums are healing and to measure the depth of the pockets. More treatments may be needed if the pockets get deeper. In any case, it is essential that you practice good dental care at home to help keep gum disease from becoming more serious and recurring. Good dental care includes activities such as:
- brushing your teeth twice a day with a soft brush,
- cleaning between your teeth daily,
- eating a balanced diet,
- avoiding tobacco use, and
- scheduling regular dental checkups.
Why Can’t I Just Brush The Plaque Away?
Although plaque is always forming on your teeth, you can usually avoid the need for periodontal scaling and planing if you brush your teeth twice a day and receive routine teeth cleaning every year. However, there are times when no matter how well you care for your teeth, the bacteria that is in plaque can find its way into the gums and cause inflammation. This inflammation is what causes your gums to pull away from your teeth forming spaces known as “periodontal pockets.” The pockets make your gums vulnerable to tartar which becomes trapped and cannot be removed with regular brushing. The tartar is typically located beneath the gums (subgingival), on the base of teeth, between the gums, and on the roots of teeth. The tartar left untreated could lead to gum disease. However, if caught early enough, a professional cleaning may be sufficient to remove unwanted tartar.
Treat Gum Disease With Periodontal Scaling
Failing to treat gum disease aggressively can leave patients vulnerable to tooth mobility and even tooth loss. Although our team of dental hygienists are equipped to administer the periodontal scaling and root planing treatment, patients with more advanced gum disease may be referred to a periodontist for treatment.
What Are The Potential Signs of Gum Disease?
Initial signs of gum disease include:
- bleeding gums,
- receding gums,
- puffiness and/or redness around the gum line,
- pockets around the roots of your teeth, and
- ongoing bad breath.
If you are experiencing any one one of these symptoms, call our office to schedule an appointment. Sometimes these symptoms can be easily addressed through routine cleanings. In either case, the expert dental team at the Dental Studio of South Tulsa can help you determine the best course of action for you.
Contact Us Today For a Periodontal Scaling Consultation
Caring for your gums is just as important as caring for your teeth since gums protect the roots and the bone from infection and disease. Our staff is equipped and ready to help you keep your teeth and gums health and disease free! Not only will we walk you through the process of periodontal scaling and root planing, but we will advise you on the best dental care plan to help you maintain a healthy smile. Contact our friendly staff today to find out more about periodontal scaling and root planing.