Periodontal Scaling Burlington

Periodontal Scaling and Root Planing Services: Deep Cleaning Procedures to Help Manage Periodontitis

Periodontal scaling and root planing, often referred to as deep cleaning, is a non-surgical treatment for managing gum disease (periodontitis). It goes beyond the surface-level cleaning performed during routine dental visits and targets the areas beneath the gum line to treat infection and restore oral health.

What are Periodontal Services?

These periodontal therapy dental care services clean the teeth and root surfaces below the gum line and involve 2 main steps:

Scaling: This process removes plaque, tartar (hardened plaque), and bacteria from the tooth surfaces and pockets beneath the gums.
Root Planing: After scaling, the root surfaces are smoothed to discourage future bacterial buildup and help the gums reattach to the teeth.

Why are Cleaning Procedures Such as Scaling and Root Planing Necessary?

Scaling Removes Plaque and Tartar

These procedures effectively remove tartar and plaque from the tooth surfaces and below the gum line. This can prevent the progression of gum disease, reduce gum inflammation, and improve bad breath.

Promote Gum Reattachment

Root planing smooths the tooth roots, promoting better gum attachment, which can reduce the risk of tooth loss. This approach can alleviate existing conditions and serve as a preventive measure against future dental complications.

Reverse Early Stages of Gingivitis

Teaching kids and parents about proper brushing, flossing, and nutrition
Ensuring they establish and maintain a proper at-home oral hygiene routine
Ensuring they understand the importance of regular check-ups

When Our Dentist in Burlington May Recommend This Treatment

Dr. Houston may recommend this treatment if you exhibit signs of moderate to advanced gum disease, such as:

Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
Persistent bad breath
Deep pockets between the teeth and gums (4mm or more)
Receding gums or teeth that appear longer
Visible tartar buildup below the gum line

Dental X-rays may also reveal bone loss, which is a common indicator of periodontitis.

What to Expect During These Periodontal Therapy Services

Initial Exam

Our team will assess the health of your gums, measure pocket depths, and, if necessary, take X-rays to evaluate bone health.

Local Anesthesia

To ensure your comfort, we’ll numb the area with local anesthesia. This is especially important when the treatment involves deep pockets or sensitive areas.

Scaling

We’ll remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria from the tooth surfaces and periodontal pockets using tools such as ultrasonic scalers or hand instruments.

Root Planing

Lastly, we’ll smooth the root surfaces of the teeth to eliminate rough spots where bacteria can accumulate. This helps the gums heal and reattach to the teeth.

What is Gum Disease?

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common oral health condition that affects the gums and the supporting structures of the teeth. As mentioned above, it begins with gingivitis, a mild inflammation caused by plaque buildup along the gum line, leading to gum recession, redness, swelling, and bleeding gums. If left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, a more severe stage where the gums pull away from the teeth, forming deep pockets that collect bacteria. This can lead to tooth loss and bone loss. Gum disease is often painless in its early stages, making regular dental check-ups essential for early detection and treatment. Poor oral hygiene, smoking, genetics, and certain health conditions, such as diabetes, can increase the risk of developing gum disease.

Contact us Today to Keep Your Gums Healthy

It’s important to keep the tissues that support your teeth healthy. Tooth loss can negatively impact one’s quality of life. Our team will work hard to remove the bacteria around your teeth and provide you with various services to keep your oral health in optimal condition. Your overall health and well-being is our top priority. Call our dental office to book an appointment today!