Scaling and Root Planing
Whether it has been a long time since your last professional dental cleaning, you’ve neglected your oral hygiene routine, or you have a secondary disease or condition that has predisposed you to periodontal disease, you might benefit from scaling and root planing treatments with our dentist at Aurora Hills Dental.
Periodontal Disease and the Importance of Treating It
Also called gum disease, periodontal disease is a bacterial infection of the gums. It most commonly occurs when plaque and tartar accumulate on the teeth along the gum line, separating the gums from the surface of the teeth. This creates pockets between the gums and the teeth where harmful bacteria thrive.
Left untreated, periodontal disease causes a variety of painful and unpleasant symptoms such as:
- Swollen, red, or bleeding gums
- Tender, painful gums
- Pus between the teeth
- Bad breath
- Receding gums
- Tooth sensitivity
If the infection worsens and the bacteria reach the periodontal ligaments of the teeth and the jawbone, it can cause the degeneration of these vital structures and lead to loose teeth and lost teeth.
Further, bacteria from periodontal disease can enter a person’s bloodstream and travel throughout the body, causing generalized inflammation. Periodontal disease has also been associated with several serious systemic diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, liver disease, dementia, rheumatoid arthritis, and reproductive health problems.
Scaling and Root Planing Treatments at Aurora Hills Dental
The best way to combat periodontal disease is with an impeccable oral hygiene regimen, including at-home care and more frequent professional cleanings.
If you have been diagnosed with periodontal disease, our dentist might recommend scaling and root planing treatments to help deep-clean your teeth and gums and make it more difficult for bacteria to thrive below your gum line.
What Is Scaling?
Scaling is the process of using special tools to remove the plaque and tartar buildup from the surface of a patient’s teeth, starting with the crown of a tooth and extending down to the root’s surface.
An antimicrobial agent is usually applied directly to the gums and roots during the scaling process to help sterilize these areas and eliminate bacterial growth.
What Is Root Planing?
The roots of your teeth are naturally covered with crevices and grooves where bacteria can easily cling, thrive, and multiply. Root planing is a procedure that involves the smoothing of the surface of the roots of the teeth.
Are Scaling and Root Planing Painful?
Before performing any of these deep-cleaning procedures, Dr. Zalesky administers a local anesthetic to ensure the treatment area is completely numb, preventing discomfort.
Comprehensive Periodontal Disease Treatment and Management
If you’ve been diagnosed with periodontal disease, we encourage you to take action to get the infection under control. To learn more about scaling and root planing and the additional treatments available for addressing periodontal disease, we welcome you to schedule an appointment with Dr. Zalesky at Aurora Hills Dental today.
