Scaling and Root Planing
Your First Line of Defense
Your dentist in Lovell provides scaling and root planing, or non-surgical treatment, for gum disease. During this treatment, your dentist uses special tools to clean above and below the gum line, removing plaque, tartar, and bacteria buildup from around the gums and roots of your teeth. Scaling and root planing is usually completed over multiple visits to our state-of-the-art practice.
Dr. Lance Anderson provides comprehensive gum disease treatment in Lovell -- keep reading to learn more about scaling and root planing.
A Little Bit About Gum Disease
The majority of Americans over the age of 35 exhibit the symptoms of gum disease. The condition looks like this:
- Red, swollen, tender gums
- Bleeding gums (especially after brushing or flossing)
- Persistent foul breath and/or a bad taste in the mouth
- Gum recession, or the appearance that the gums are pulling away from the teeth
In its latest stages, gum disease results in tooth loss and has been linked to a number of serious health conditions. Heart trouble, respiratory issues, and pregnancy complications may occur as a result of untreated periodontal disease.
Gum disease does not discriminate, but certain factors may put you at an increased risk for developing the condition. Risk factors associated with periodontal disease include:
- Age: Risk increases over age 35, then again over age 55
- Tobacco use of any kind, especially if combined with excessive alcohol consumption
- Certain hormonal changes, including menopause and pregnancy
- The use of medications that cause dry mouth
- Health conditions affecting the immune system, like uncontrolled diabetes or advanced-stage cancer
Brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day, floss daily, and visit your dentist regularly to prevent periodontal disease. And, let your dentist know if you are at an increased risk of developing the condition. You may benefit from more frequent preventive attention.
Gum Disease Treatment in Lovell
Your teeth fit securely in healthy gums, but when infection is present, bacteria causes deep pockets to form between the teeth and gums. Your dentist will measure these pockets to determine the best method for treating your periodontal disease.
Also known as a deep cleaning, scaling and root planing is an effective treatment for moderate levels of gum disease. Scaling reduces inflammation by removing tartar and bacteria from above and below the gum line. Planing smoothes the rough spots on the teeth’s roots to lower the chances of reinfection.
Scaling and root planing is often completed over the course of three to four visits to our office. The length of your treatment will depend on the severity of your infection. Local anesthesia and sedation dentistry are available to ensure your complete comfort throughout every step of your treatment. The approach may also be combined with local antibiotic therapy at the site of the infection to aid healing.
Schedule an Appointment Today
When was your last visit to the dentist? If it has been more than six months, don’t forget that regular checkups and cleanings are the best way to keep your gums healthy and disease-free. If it has been awhile since you visited the dentist, we invite you to schedule an appointment today!