Scaling and Root Planing Can Safeguard Your Oral and General Health

If you are suffering from mild to moderate gum disease, Dr. Phuong Thao Nguyen may recommend scaling and root planing at our Lithia Springs, GA, practice. During this procedure, also known as a deep cleaning, Dr. Nguyen or her hygienist will clean bacteria, plaque, and tartar from your dental roots. Your practitioner will also smooth the rough spots on your roots so that they do not attract bacteria in the future. At Atlanta West Periodontics and Dental Implants, scaling and root planing involves little to no discomfort, thanks to our gentle techniques and sedation options. Most importantly, the procedure can have tremendous benefits for your long-term oral and physical health. In fact, appropriate periodontal care could reduce your risk for several serious health conditions.

Do You Need Scaling and Root Planing?

Scaling and Root Planing in Lithia Springs

Gum disease develops when oral bacteria build up in your mouth and move deep into your gum tissue. There, the microbes will eventually create pockets in your soft tissue, causing them to pull away from your tooth roots. Without treatment, your gums will recede to the point you could experience significant tooth loss. For this reason, if you are suffering from any of the symptoms of gum disease, you may be a candidate for scaling and root planing. These effects can include:

  • Inflammation and redness

  • Gum irritation

  • Tooth sensitivity

  • Visible gum recession

  • Loose teeth

  • Chronic bad breath

  • Bleeding

If you are considering restorative treatment, such as crowns or implants, Dr. Nguyen will need to treat existing gum disease first. She will often recommend a deep cleaning in these situations.

A Closer Look at the Procedure

Before scaling and root planing at our practice, your practitioner will numb your gums with a local anesthetic so you should feel very little during treatment. If you are still nervous, we can provide further sedation to ensure you remain relaxed and comfortable.

After we administer these medications, your dentist or hygienist will remove deposits of calculus, or tartar, from your dental roots. She will also eliminate the pockets of bacteria that have built up in the area. In some cases, she may use a topical antibiotic to eradicate these microbes more thoroughly. Since rough spots on your dental roots can easily trap bacteria and result in flare-ups, your practitioner will also smooth these patches. Throughout the entire process, we will use very precise techniques to minimize the impact on your surrounding, healthy tissue.

The Benefits of Scaling and Root Planing

A deep cleaning can benefit your current oral health and appearance, and even your overall physical well-being. Appropriate periodontal care can stop the progression of gum disease and combat serious damage, such as tooth loss. There is no cure for periodontitis but when you maintain good hygiene after your deep cleaning, you could enjoy healthy teeth and a beautiful smile for many years.

A deep cleaning can benefit your oral health, appearance, and even your overall physical well-being.

Additionally, scaling and root planing can prevent serious systemic health conditions. Gum disease has been linked to an increased risk for high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke. Although the exact connection has not been identified, research has found that a deep cleaning can eliminate bacteria and protect your cardiovascular and overall wellness.