Early Treatment of Gum Disease Can Prevent Serious Damage
The Scaling and Root Planing Procedure
Your gums support your teeth. Should areas of your gum be infiltrated by bacteria that isn’t removed, you could have a potentially damaging situation on your hands. That’s why it’s so important–especially if you’re showing signs of early gum disease–to have your gums deep cleaned.
This cleaning process is known as scaling and root planing. Scaling and root planing treatment is most effective in the early stages of gum disease and can help to reduce periodontal pocket depths up to two or three millimeters on average.
Dr. Pnhaskashi and our dental team at West Valley Dental Implant Practice in Encino, CA, are dedicated to preserving your teeth. Through careful practice and constant study, we stay on top of the latest and greatest advances in periodontal disease treatment. We can treat your gum disease with the best method for you personally so that your teeth can stay healthy and beautiful for years to come.
Scaling and Root Planing in Encino, CA
Periodontal disease occurs when bacteria that live below the gum line produce toxins. These toxins cause our bodies to destroy the bone that supports the teeth. There is no cure for periodontal disease.
Fortunately, with early detection and timely treatment, we can help to stop the progression of this disease and prevent further bone and tooth loss.
Bacteria live within the plaque that accumulates in the mouth. When plaque is not removed properly, it can solidify into calculus or tartar. Both of these substances are difficult to remove.
The bacteria can then affect the gums by causing the tissues to pull away from the teeth, creating periodontal pockets. When periodontal disease is left untreated, it can cause irreversible bone and tooth loss.
Scaling and root planing is a nonsurgical periodontal treatment that is typically recommended when periodontal disease is diagnosed. Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease and affects only the gum tissues. It is completely reversible if detected and treated early through root scaling and planing.
Root Scaling and Planing Steps
The first step of scaling and root planing will be to apply a local anesthetic to numb the areas that will be treated. Your doctor may suggest a form of sedation, if necessary. The treatment often requires hand instruments and an ultrasonic tool to remove the plaque and calculus accumulation.
Your doctor or dental hygienist will then use the instruments to clean the roots of your teeth and smooth any rough surfaces. The goal of this deep cleaning process is to clear away plaque and tartar as well as smooth the surfaces of the teeth to encourage the gum tissues to reattach to the teeth.
Scaling and root planing treatment patients need to maintain their oral health and cleanliness after the procedure. Home maintenance is a major part of the healing process. The mouth needs to be free of food, debris, and plaque in order to keep the bacteria from causing further destruction.
Thorough brushing and flossing is also necessary to ensure that the mouth is clean at all times. Discontinuing the use of tobacco products can also promote healing and reduce the risk of infection.
It is best for patients to be in a healthy condition and not have recently had a major surgery before receiving a scaling and root planing treatment. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history and discuss sedation options. After your treatment, your doctor may recommend an antimicrobial oral rinse containing chlorhexidine gluconate to rid your mouth of bacteria and reduce the risk of infection.
Discover What Scaling and Root Planing Can Do For Your Smile
Scaling and root planing treatment is most effective in the early stages of gum disease and can help to reduce periodontal pocket depths up to two or three millimeters on average. It is a useful and highly effective procedure that has helped many of our patients in Encino, CA, to keep their teeth. If you have questions about this treatment or are worried you might be in the early stages of gum disease, don’t hesitate to contact us today.