What is scaling and root planing?
Removing hard deposits (calculus or tartar) from the surface of your teeth roots is known as scaling and root planing, sometimes called a “deep cleaning.” This treatment may be completed in one or multiple appointments at Lepore Comprehensive Dentistry in Dunedin, FL, depending on your unique need.
After this therapy, you will begin to notice your gum tissue go from unhealthy (swollen and red) to healthy (firm and pink) as you continue to be seen regularly for your maintenance visits. When we see this change in your gums, we will know that the infection is under control and your gums are healthier.
Why Do I Need This Type Of Dental Cleaning?
Your toothbrush and dental floss can only clean so far below your gum line. When plaque and tartar (bacterial colonies) sit on the gums and roots of your teeth, inflammation occurs. This inflammation and the bacteria that causes it release toxins that can cause gingivitis and bleeding gums. If gum disease is left untreated, it could lead to:
- Bone loss
- Tissue (gum) loss
- Loose/mobile teeth
- Loss of teeth altogether
This type of gum disease is called periodontal disease. Dr. Lepore or Dr. Dougherty may diagnose the need for scaling and root planing (SRP) to remove the hard deposits from your teeth.
The Development Of Periodontal Disease
Can I Go Back To A Regular Cleaning After I Have Scaling & Root Planing (SRP) Completed?
Periodontal (gum) disease can be managed but not cured. After scaling and root planing have been completed, patients are typically put on periodontal maintenance or “management” of gum disease, where cleanings are performed every three to four months to maintain gum and bone health.
If this interval is not followed, the very same infection that caused the need for this type of cleaning can return, causing further bone loss. Maintenance visits are the most important treatment you can complete to maintain the investment.
Periodontal Maintenance Cleaning After Scaling & Root Planing
Conditions That Can Lead To The Development Of Periodontal Disease Include:
- Poor dental hygiene and irregular cleaning appointments
- Smoking
- Hormonal changes
- Family history
- Poor nutrition
What Else Can I Do To Manage My Gum Disease?
- Before starting your periodontal therapy (scaling and root planing), Dr. Lepore or Dr. Dougherty will recommend salivary diagnostic testing to identify specific levels of 11 harmful bacteria known to contribute to periodontal disease. Recent studies have shown these very bacteria to cause or lead to conditions such as heart attack, stroke, and Alzheimer’s disease.
- Every patient can also benefit from PerioProtect Trays. These trays release oxygen medication into the pockets of your gum tissue to manage and kill the harmful bacteria harbored there.
- To further benefit you and prevent future issues, oral probiotics may be recommended. These work very similarly to gut probiotics, driving out the harmful bacteria to replace them with good bacteria.
- At your four-to-six-week evaluation with your dental hygienist, she will re-measure your gum tissues (or pocket depths) for improvements and offer over-the-counter or at-home remedies to assist you in achieving your best health.
Lepore Comprehensive Dentistry – It’s Not Just About Dental Treatments!
News always travels fast and Margaret was introduced to Dr. Lepore via a raving review from a coworker. Her experience has not changed her opinion since and she is very pleased with the initiative taken by both Dr. Lepore and his team to get to know his patients well enough to treat them better and build up a good rapport with trust and confidence. Margaret was so pleased with the level of service received that she even went ahead to recommend Dr. Lepore to other people she knew so that they could have the positive dental experience that they all appreciate and deserve.
