Once gum disease progresses beyond gingivitis, it is no longer reversible. Instead, it transforms into which is a long-term and chronic condition that requires professional treatment to manage. Our Cadillac dentists will recommend the scaling and root planing procedure if you have a later stage of periodontal disease.
What Is Periodontal Therapy?
Periodontal therapy describes a collection of surgical and non-surgical treatments that can be used to treat various stages of gum disease and prevent tooth loss. Ultimately, the condition of your gums and teeth will determine the specific procedures our dentists perform.
Patients with will likely undergo the scaling and root planing procedure which is a non-surgical option. During scaling and root planing, our dentists will deep clean below the gumline to get rid of plaque and smooth out the surface of your tooth root. This smoothing makes the normally rough tooth surface less desirable to bacteria.
Scaling and Root Planing: What to Expect
Our dentists will start off treatment by making sure you are relaxed and comfortable. We will administer local anesthesia to the area first so it remains numb and pain-free until we are done. Once the numbness has taken effect, we will then transition into the scaling portion of the procedure.
Plaque and tartar are carefully removed from beneath and in between the gums, as well as on the base of the teeth crowns. Our dentists or hygienists will use the scaler tool at an angle between 45-90 degrees to help scrape and clean in a vertical, circular, or horizontal motion.
With scaling completed, root planing can begin. This stage will involve cleaning below the gums to remove plaque and tartar buildup on the tooth roots. Cementum, the calcified film that covers a tooth’s root, will also be completely removed. You may experience some tenderness following the procedure but we will do our best to minimize your discomfort.
Treat Your Gum Disease Today
We want your gums and teeth to be healthy now and in the future. If you’re suffering from periodontal disease, our , urge you to visit our office for treatment such as scaling and root planing. Call LifeSmiles Dentistry today at (231) 775-8281 to request an appointment.
