Scaling and Root Planing

Periodontics

•	Gum Disease
•	Scaling & Root Planing
•	Soft Tissue Grafts
•	Pinhole Surgical Technique

Untreated gum disease, which starts as gingivitis, can quickly progress into periodontal disease. Your inflamed gum tissue can pull away from your teeth, leaving crevices for bacteria to fall into. These bacteria can lead to infections in your teeth and jawbone. As a result, your jawbone, teeth, and gums can begin to deteriorate. Bacteria below the gums cannot be reached with regular brushing and flossing—at this point scaling and root planing become necessary. At Excellent Dental Specialists, we are highly trained in this procedure and can help you begin the healing process.

Scaling

Plaque is the sticky white film you often find on your teeth. Brushing can help remove it, but when it is not removed, it hardens and turns into tartar. This tartar pushes on your gums, causing irritation and inflammation. It cannot be removed by brushing and requires our expertise to remove. We use special scaling tools to remove plaque and tartar buildup both on the surface of your teeth and below the gum line, while using an irrigation tool to deliver an antibacterial solution. If your gums are especially sensitive, we can first numb them to help ease any discomfort during the procedure.

Root Planing

Root planing is a procedure that smooths the surface of your roots, removing tartar, bacteria and other dangerous toxins. It allows your gums to heal, and the smooth surface prevents new bacteria from taking hold.

The Procedure

Before scaling and root planing, you will receive a thorough examination. We will take a look at the damage done to your teeth and gums as well as the amount of buildup on your teeth. We will measure the pockets in your gums, where bacteria are likely to be hidden and perform x-rays to check on the condition of your jawbone. These procedures will help us to confirm that scaling and root planing is the correct course of action and then your teeth will be cleaned.

Benefits

Scaling and root planing have several benefits:

•	Plaque and tartar is removed, as is bacteria. This helps to ease inflammation and irritation.
•	The procedure helps to prevent new bacterial growth.
•	No surgery is required. If your gums are particularly sensitive, however, we can administer an anesthetic.
•	It prevents tooth loss, bone deterioration and other severe health issues that could occur if bacteria were to enter your bloodstream.
•	Gum disease can be stopped and the effects reversed.
•	You can get your confidence back. Severe gum disease can not only affect the appearance of your smile ([[[page”59858\|eceding gums]]]), it can also have a negative impact on your breath. With your teeth thoroughly cleaned and the bacteria gone, your breath will be fresher. Once your gums begin to heal, you can start smiling again.

Smiling man who received scaling and root planing service at Excellent Dental Specialists located in San Antonio, TX.

Continued Care at Home

Scaling and root planing is a treatment for periodontal disease, but it is not a permanent solution. You must still take preventative measures. Brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss daily and use an antibacterial mouthwash for the best results. We recommend that you come in for cleanings and exams at least twice a year so we can try to detect early signs of gum disease or other oral health issues, thus preventing serious issues before they occur.

If you have been plagued by periodontal disease, scaling and root planing can help you get your oral health back. Call us at (210) 598-8933 today to schedule your appointment.

Content retrieved from: https://www.excellentdentalspecialists.com/p/Scaling-Root-Planing-p19657.asp.html.