At Lake Forest Smiles, we can help you manage your gum disease without surgery. Drs. David Schmidt and Tracey Hughes recommend scaling and root planing as the first line of treatment for gum disease. Find out what this procedure entails, and if you are a good candidate.
Scaling and root planing, also known as deep cleaning, removes tartar buildup, which is responsible for gum disease, from below the gum line. Maintaining good oral hygiene and routine dental cleanings help reduce gum inflammation and stop the progression of the infection.
A deep cleaning has two parts. Scaling removes plaque and tartar from your teeth, both above and below the gum line. Root planing is done to smooth the roots of the teeth being treated.
After receiving this treatment, your teeth have a smooth and clean surface, which serves two purposes:
- First, it will be more difficult for bacteria and plaque to adhere to your teeth.
- Second, your gum can reattach to your teeth, reducing the depth of any pockets that form between the teeth and gums as a result of periodontitis.
SCALING AND ROOT PLANING: WHAT TO EXPECT
A local anesthetic is applied to reduce any potential discomfort. Our hygienist will thoroughly remove plaque and tartar deposits below the gum line. Then, the hygienist will “plane” or smooth the surfaces of the tooth’s roots that are accessible. Depending on the number of teeth that require deep cleaning and the depth of the pockets, it may take more than one appointment to complete the treatment. Usually, scaling and root planing for the entire mouth is split into two separate appointments. This prevents having to numb your entire mouth at once.
Our general dentists in Lake Forest will recommend a schedule for your periodontal maintenance. Regular follow-up treatments ensure continued improvement of your gum health while avoiding tooth loss or more drastic periodontal treatments such as surgery. Patients often alternate between general dental cleanings and repetitive therapy to better manage their gum disease.
Drs. David Schmidt and Tracey Hughes may also recommend applying Arestin, a powder form antibiotic that is applied to your gums immediately after scaling and root planing.
Your gum health and the status of your periodontal disease determine your schedule of periodontal maintenance, along with the following factors:
- The severity of your gum disease
- Any prior periodontal treatment, and your response to that treatment
- Your rate of plaque growth
- The quality and effectiveness of your oral hygiene routine at home
Gum disease has no cure, but it can be managed with proper care. Prevention remains your best defense against periodontal disease. Brush and floss daily, and see your Lake Forest dentists every six months for a check-up and cleaning, although some patients may benefit from more frequent visits. We will advise you as to how often you need scaling and root planing, but some patients benefit from these cleanings three or more times a year.
THE COST OF SCALING AND ROOT PLANING
If you have dental insurance, your provider may not cover multiple visits in a calendar year. Nevertheless, treating gum disease as soon as possible saves you time and money. You avoid more lengthy and expensive procedures by seeking help now. Scaling and root planing represents an investment in your dental health.
Lake Forest Smiles determines the price of each treatment on a case-by-case basis. We will give you am estimate before beginning any work. Accepted payment methods include cash, check, and most major credit cards. We also offer third-party financing through CareCredit and LendingClub.
NON-SURGICAL PERIODONTAL TREATMENT IN LAKE FOREST
Managing periodontal disease is the best way to prevent it from worsening. If you have gum disease or want to find out ways to guard your oral health against its devastating effects, call (847) 234-4800. Drs. David Schmidt and Tracey Hughes have provided elite dental care to the communities of Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, and Lincolnshire for more than 30 years. We welcome you to our practice.