Dental Scaling and Root Planing in Charles Town, WV
Periodontal Scaling and Root Planing Procedures
For patients with advanced periodontal disease, traditional treatments may not be effective. Fortunately, Charles Town Smiles offers a potential solution with our periodontal scaling and root planing. As Charles Town, WV’s leading dental scaling and root planing specialists, we’re here to help you get on the path to optimized oral health.
What Is Periodontal Scaling and Root Planing?
Periodontal scaling and root planing is a non-surgical therapy known as a deep cleaning. Scaling and root planing is used to effectively eliminate bacterial plaque and tartar that hide beneath the gum line. This treatment serves to mitigate the development or worsening of periodontal disease, infections, and inflammation.
Root Planing and Scaling Examination
Scaling and root planing begins with an in-depth examination. During the examination, we may perform x-rays and visual assessments to determine the condition of the patient’s gums. We observe the amount of tartar and plaque and the depth of the pockets to determine the best course of treatment, which often includes scaling and root planing.
What Does Dental Scaling and Root Planing Entail?
Tooth scaling and root planing is a two-part procedure. Following a consultation and examination, we begin by providing patients with a local anesthetic to mitigate discomfort. Once they are numbed, we start with the scaling portion of the treatment, followed by the root planing.
Dental Scaling
Scaling involves using an ultrasonic scaling cleaner and/or hand instruments to remove plaque and tartar beneath the gum line and along the tooth root. The instrument used includes an irrigation component that coats the area with an antimicrobial agent to deter bacteria buildup.
Root Planing
Following dental scaling, we move on to root planing. Root planing removes surface dentin that compromises the health of the tooth, relieving the surface of any toxins, tartar, and bacteria. This process essentially smooths the tooth, allowing it to reconnect to the gums and begin healing.
Reasons Why These Dental Procedures May Be Necessary
Scaling and root planing serve as a stand-alone procedure and a preventative treatment. Some of the reasons patients seek scaling and root planing procedures include:
- Combat the spread of oral bacteria
- Deep pockets or bleeding gums
- Protection of the natural teeth and bone density
- Mitigate tooth loss
- Improve aesthetics
- Alleviate bad breath
Protect Your Oral Health and Overall Wellness
Periodontal scaling and root planing improve your oral health and overall wellness. When left untreated, oral bacteria found in periodontal infections can move through the bloodstream, resulting in a heightened risk of heart disease and health complications. Dental scaling and root planing eliminate this bacteria, in turn protecting your overall health.
Benefits of Periodontal Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is an effective tool to preserve your oral health and smile. Some of the benefits of this treatment include:
- Enhanced gum health
- Reduced gum inflammation, bleeding, and redness
- Improved systematic health
- Eliminate bad breath
- Preserve natural teeth and bone health
- Combat plaque, tartar, and stains
What You Can Expect From the Procedure
You will not experience discomfort during the procedure as a local anesthetic is administered. However, you may experience moderate discomfort, tenderness, or sensitivity in the hours following your treatment. The results of your treatment will include a comprehensive clean that targets hard-to-reach areas below the gum line.
Should I Pursue Scaling and Root Planing?
We recommend scaling and root planing for patients with excessive bacteria buildup and moderate to severe periodontal disease that cannot be controlled with routine cleanings and at-home care. Scaling and root planing is also used for patients with a history of gum disease as an alternative to traditional dental cleanings.
Maintaining Your Results
Maintenance is imperative following your scaling and root planing procedure. A diligent, at-home oral hygiene regimen is crucial. Our professionals can help recommend the right products and techniques to promote lasting oral health. Furthermore, monitoring your gums and scheduling follow-up examinations is important to preserve your results.
Get On Track to Healthy Gums – Contact Us
Healthy gums are the foundation of a radiant smile. Preserve your health and combat moderate to severe periodontal disease symptoms with scaling and root planing at Charles Town Smiles in Charles Town, WV. Contact us today to schedule an examination and find out if scaling and root planing is right for you.