Scaling and Root Planing Phoenix, AZ
When you have gum disease, treatment is required. While the early stages are easily reversed with at-home brushing and flossing, the symptoms often go unnoticed. Unfortunately, gum disease isn’t often caught until the later stages, when professional treatment is the only option that will help. Without professional intervention, the condition only gets worse. At Implant and Periodontal Wellness Center of Arizona, we can help stop gum disease in its tracks and allow your mouth to heal with scaling and root planing.
What Happens When You Have Gum Disease?
Gum disease is a progressive condition. It starts as gingivitis, which often presents itself with swelling and redness of the gum tissue. As your gums swell, they pull away from your teeth, allowing bacteria to enter. Once inside, the bacteria begin to attack your jawbone and supporting structures that hold your teeth in place. Pockets form between your gums and teeth and continue to get deeper as the disease progresses. As your bone deteriorates, your teeth loosen, and can even fall out. In some cases, bacteria can enter your bloodstream, sending infections throughout your body.
Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is a procedure done to clean your teeth, and their roots, which will effectively remove bacteria, and allow your mouth to heal.
During the day, a sticky film, known as plaque, builds up on your teeth. It is easily removed with a toothbrush. However, if you don’t brush regularly, this plaque can turn into tartar, which is hard, and brushing cannot remove it. Tartar can also form under the gumline, which can irritate gum tissue, and creates the perfect spot for bacteria to adhere. It requires a specialized dental tool, known as a scaler, to effectively scrape it from the surface of your teeth.
The roots of your teeth are also at risk of gum disease. Root planing is a procedure that involves smoothing the surfaces of those roots, removing bacteria, tartar, and toxins. With a smooth surface, any bacteria below the gums cannot adhere or start a new infection.
How Is it Done?
A consultation tells us the extent of the damage. We thoroughly exam the visible areas of your teeth, taking note of buildup. We will measure periodontal pockets. We may even use a periscope to assess the damage below the gumline.
Before we start scaling and root planing, we can administer a local anesthetic to help with any discomfort. We begin with scaling, scraping all of the visible surfaces of your teeth, as well as between them and just under the gumline. After we scale your teeth, we smooth the surface of your roots. An antimicrobial agent is administered below the gums to help kill lingering bacteria.
Benefits of Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing offer several benefits, including:• |
Irritation and inflammation are lessened.
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Prevents bacteria from gathering on your teeth, which prevents new infections.
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Stops the progression of gum disease, allowing your gums, jawbone and supporting structures to heal.
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Minimally invasive and non-surgical. |
Scaling and root planing can put an end to gum disease, and allow your mouth to heal. For those who are experiencing gum recession or deeper gum pockets, we recommend gingival grafts or gingivectomies. We offer various methods of periodontal therapy for any and all problems associated with gum disease. If you are suffering from gum disease, call Implant and Periodontal Wellness Center of Arizona to schedule your consultation today. |