Our dentists in Dallas, TX, recommend that patients get routine dental cleanings at least every six months. But, if you have gum disease, then a routine cleaning won’t give you the deep clean you need to control the condition. Instead, you’ll need a more thorough cleaning known as scaling and root planing
At Lakewood Dental Group, Dr. Shaun Sigurdson and Dr. Mihir Patel offer scaling and root planing as a non-surgical solution to treat and manage gum disease, also called periodontal disease. This procedure removes plaque and bacterial buildup in hard-to-reach places, like between the teeth and below the gumline. As a result, patients can get much-needed relief from inflamed gum tissue caused by periodontal disease.
What is scaling and root planing?
The hardened plaque–or tartar–that builds up on teeth over time can extend below the gumline, causing gum tissue to pull away from the teeth. This gum recession causes periodontal pockets in between the teeth.
These pockets can reach up to four millimeters below the gumline, making them an inviting environment for harmful bacteria to accumulate. If tartar and bacterial buildup goes unchecked, it can lead to worsening gum disease, infections, and even tooth loss.
A routine dental cleaning cannot reach deep enough into periodontal pockets to remove debris, tartar, and bacteria. However, scaling with an ultrasonic dental tool allows our team to get below the gumline to lift stubborn tartar and sweep away disease-causing bacteria.
Root planing smooths tooth roots, which helps to close periodontal pockets. By closing periodontal pockets, bacteria no longer have a place to grow and thrive below the gumline. Subsequently, gum tissue has time to heal, which reduces the pain, bleeding, and inflammation caused by gum disease.
What are the benefits of scaling and root planing?
There are numerous benefits of professional scaling and root planing treatments, including:
- Periodontal maintenance
- Better oral health
- Improved overall health
- More attractive smile
Periodontal Maintenance
Periodontal disease is a progressive condition that requires frequent maintenance to prevent permanent damage to the teeth and gums. Scaling and root planing treatments stop gum disease from progressing, which reduces the risk of infections, tooth loss, and significant jawbone deterioration.
Better Oral Health
The bacteria that build up in periodontal pockets can cause cavities below the gumline. These bacteria can eat through tooth enamel and infect the pulp inside teeth. Once bacteria make their way into the pulp of a tooth, a root canal or tooth extraction is the only way to prevent the infection from spreading to other teeth, the jawbone, and the bloodstream.
Removing harmful bacteria and tartar buildup from periodontal pockets helps patients achieve better oral health, which limits the risk of cavities, infections, and other health conditions.
Improved Overall Health
Research indicates that the bacteria that cause gum disease are linked to various systemic health conditions, including:
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- Pulmonary diseases
- Alzheimer’s disease
Scaling and root planing help to remove these disease-causing bacteria from the mouth, which improves patients’ overall health.
More Attractive Smile
Tartar can negatively impact the appearance of patients’ smiles and cause bad breath. Scaling and root planing removes unsightly tartar buildup, which allows patients to speak and smile with unlimited confidence.
Schedule a Scaling and Root Planing Appointment Today
If you’re looking for a Lakewood dentist to help you manage gum disease with scaling and root planing treatments, then schedule an appointment at Lakewood Dental Group now. Our team can help you get healthy teeth and gums for a stronger, healthier smile.
New and existing patients can schedule an appointment online or call our Dallas dental office at (214) 827-1885.
