Plaque and tartar is removed, as is bacteria. This helps to ease inflammation and irritation.
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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 Excel Dental & Implant Center in San Antonio, TX and New Braunfels, TX, we are highly trained in this procedure and can help you begin the healing process.
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.
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.
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.
Scaling and root planing in San Antonio, TX and New Braunfels, TX, 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.
