Scaling and Root Planing
Lacey, WA
 Keeping your smile healthy and beautiful involves proper oral care. Most of your oral care takes place in your own home. The American Dental Association recommends that you brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once daily. In addition to your home care routine, it is also recommended that you have your teeth professionally cleaned and examined every six months. Not taking proper care of your mouth can significantly increase your risk of developing gum disease. If gum disease does occur, treatment is essential. Brian K. Rounds, DDS can help with scaling and root planing.
Gum Disease and Your Mouth
Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is a serious oral health issue that affects not only the health of your gums but your jawbone and your teeth. Advanced stages of gum disease can even lead to health complications like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. When it begins, however, it is often barely noticeable. In fact, most people are unaware that they have gum disease in the first place. Gum disease starts when plaque and bacteria accumulate on the teeth, causing gum irritation. This irritation leads to inflammation. Over time, inflammation causes the gums to begin pulling away from the teeth, causing pockets to form. Bacteria fall into the pockets and begin attacking the periodontal ligaments and jawbone in addition to the gums. Over time, the gums begin to recede, and the supporting structures begin to weaken. Your teeth become loose and may even fall out.
What is Scaling and Root Planing?
Scaling and root planing is a common restorative treatment for dealing with gum disease. This type of treatment is a minimally invasive deep cleaning of your teeth. While minimally invasive, a local anesthetic is provided to ensure your comfort during treatment. Scaling is the cleaning of the surfaces of your teeth above the gum line, as well as along and just below the gum line. Using a specialized scaling tool, we can effectively remove all buildup, including the most stubborn tartar, which cannot be removed no matter how much you brush or floss.
Root planing is the cleaning of the tooth surfaces below the gum line. This process involves smoothing the roots of your teeth to eliminate plaque, bacteria, and other toxins. By smoothing the surfaces, it becomes more difficult for new bacteria to accumulate, allowing your gums to begin reattaching. Once we have finished cleaning your teeth, an antibacterial rinse is used to eliminate any bacteria that might still be present.
Scaling and Root Planing Benefits
Scaling and root planing provide several significant benefits.
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The procedure is minimally invasive and does not require surgery. Only a local anesthetic is used to help prevent discomfort during treatment.
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We can effectively remove all buildup from the surfaces of your teeth, including tartar deposits that cannot be removed by brushing and flossing. We are also able to access areas of your mouth you cannot access at home.
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Treatment slows and stops the progression of gum disease so that your gums can begin healing.
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As your gums heal, your smile improves, which can also boost your confidence. |
If you notice any symptoms of gum disease, it is important that you seek treatment immediately. With scaling and root planing, we can eliminate buildup from your teeth, allowing your gums to begin healing. For more information, call Brian K. Rounds, DDS today at (360) 764-5236.
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