Are you looking for Periodontal Scaling & Root Planning in San Jose, CA? Dr Rana Baroudi provides high quality dental care for her patients in San Jose, CA
If you have advanced gum disease, you may need a scaling and root planing procedure to address the issue. The etiologic agents causing the issue need to be removed for the health of your teeth and gums. This means the removal of dental plaque and tartar.
A scaling and root planing procedure (also known as a “deep cleaning”) is a non-surgical procedure that removes the plaque and tartar from below the gumline. This can reverse gingivitis and treat symptoms of periodontitis.
There are a few reasons why your dentist will suggest a scaling and root planing procedure. These include:
No matter what the reason, you’ll need to have a deep cleaning procedure performed if your dentist suggests it. Do not wait on this procedure, as the issue will get worse.
The process of scaling and root planing begins with a trip to the dentist for an examination. During the assessment, your dentist will perform a visual examination and take x-rays. From there, they will diagnose the issue and determine if a deep cleaning is required. This will depend on the condition of your gums, the amount of tartar present, the depth of the pockets, and the progression of your gum disease.
The scaling part of the procedure is performed with specialized equipment. This may include an ultrasonic scaling tool. This tool removes plaque and tartar from the crown and root surfaces. The scaling tool often includes an irrigation process that can be used to deliver an antimicrobial agent below the gumline. This helps reduce oral bacteria.
The root planing procedure removes cementum and surface dentin that has harmful microorganisms, toxins, and tartar. The roof of the patient’s tooth is smooth to promote healing. Having smooth and clean root surfaces helps to prevent bacteria from colonizing in the future.
After the deep cleaning procedure, gum pockets may be treated with the use of antibiotics. This helps to soothe irritation and allows the gum tissues to heal fast.
A dentist or hygienist thoroughly examines the gums during the next appointment to see how the pockets have healed. If the pockets are still more than 3mm deep, additional treatment may be recommended.
There are a few things you’ll want to look out for to see if you need a deep cleaning. These include:
Once you notice any of these symptoms, you need to take immediate action. Gum disease can progress quickly and become very severe. What was originally mild gingivitis can become advanced periodontitis. Once it gets to this point, the symptoms can only be treated. Periodontitis cannot be reversed—nor can some of the damage it does.
If you notice the symptoms listed above, schedule an appointment with your dentist. Do not wait for your next scheduled cleaning and checkup. The sooner the issue can be resolved the better.
If you would like to avoid a deep cleaning entirely, there are a few things you can do…
Visit the dentist. One thing you can and should do to avoid a scaling and root planing procedure is visit your dentist every six months for your cleaning and checkup. During this visit, your dentist will perform a professional cleaning of your teeth that you simply can’t perform on your own. This includes the use of specialized tools and techniques that allow your dentist to remove plaque buildup. Your dentist will also perform a thorough exam to look for any signs of decay, gum disease, cancer, or other oral health issues. From there, they can put a treatment plan in place.
Take proper care of your teeth and gums. You should be brushing, flossing, and rinsing twice a day, every day. Do not get in the habit of skipping days. These missed days add up and encourage tooth decay and gum disease. Many adults don’t know how to properly brush and floss. Ask your dentist for tips about brushing and flossing during your scheduled visit to ensure you are doing so correctly.
Check for symptoms. If you notice regular bleeding when you are brushing, flossing, or chewing, this is cause for concern. The same goes for gum discoloration, bad breath, and other symptoms mentioned above. Contact Dr. Rana Baroudi if you notice symptoms of gum disease.
Ideally, if you take proper care of your oral health, you won’t need a deep cleaning. If tartar and plaque get below the gumlines and start causing problems, though, you’ll want to have it removed as soon as possible.
Contact us today if you believe you may have gum disease. We will perform an exam and see if a scaling and root planing procedure is required to address the issue.
