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The Advantages of Scaling and Root Planing

image of a dental model showing teeth and gums undergoing scaling and root planning

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For those who have ever had a periodontal infection, the dentist may have recommended scaling and root planning. Scaling and root planning is like a deep cleaning, and can effectively eradicate bacteria in the early stages of periodontal disease. Bacteria and plaque are cleared away and the tooth surface is smoothed, restoring the damage caused by gum disease in Leesburg, VA.

What Is Gum Disease And Why Does It Occur?

People may assume that because they take care of their teeth and gums at home, that they are unlikely to experience gum disease. This is not entirely true. Even if people follow a very strict at-home oral health routine, they may still end up with gum disease.

Many patients are surprised when their family dentist or periodontist explains that they have gum disease. Yet thinking back, many patients realize that they overlooked some of the telltale signs of the onset of gum disease, like gums that bled for no reason, swollen gums, red gums, and bad breath.

So why does gum disease happen even if people brush and floss diligently? Simply put, gum disease starts as a buildup of unwanted bacteria in the close spaces between the teeth and gums.

Over time, the bacteria start to damage and destroy everything around them. This leaves the gums irritated, inflamed, and unhealthy. Eventually, the growing bacteria will begin to affect the integrity of people’s teeth, tooth roots, and jawbone.

Without treatments, like scaling and root planning, people will likely lose teeth as well as experience a decline in bone density.

What causes gum disease in Leesburg, VA? Many factors can contribute to the development of this common condition affecting men and women. These factors include hormonal changes such as those that happen during pregnancy, use of some medications, genetic predisposition to the occurrence of periodontal disease, and lifestyle choices like smoking and use of smokeless tobacco.

Regardless of why a person’s gum disease has started, talking to a dental professional right away is a must.

Why Treat Gum Disease As Soon As Possible?

If a patient notices any changes in their teeth or gums, they should make an appointment to discuss their concerns with a dental provider. Until it is diagnosed and treated, gum disease will continue to eat away at healthy soft tissue, teeth, and bone.

Remember: There is no at-home remedy to reverse or mitigate the effects of gum disease. However, partnering with a periodontist right away may be able to cure the early-stages of gum disease or stop gum disease from progressing.

As an added benefit to seeing a periodontist right away, patients may avoid other systematic health complications. Unmanaged periodontal disease has been linked to a variety of serious conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and worsening diabetes.

What Is Scaling And Root Planning?

When a patient has a routine cleaning, their dental hygienist removes plaque and tartar from their teeth. A patient’s dental professional will also polish the teeth in order to smooth them and remove any stains. Scaling and root planning are performed in a similar manner.

For both scaling and root planning, anesthetic is used for patients with tender tissue. Tissue may be tender when patients have swollen, bleeding gums. Plaque and tartar will then be removed, not only from the visible tooth surface, but also from below the gum line.

The key difference in root planning, is the dentist will then smooth the tooth roots to correct the rough areas created by bacteria.

Advantages of Scaling And Root Planning

This procedure is non-surgical and, in some cases, may be the only treatment necessary. After the bacteria and plaque are removed, the patients gum tenderness and chronic inflammation will be alleviated.

The patient’s breath will be fresher without an active infection in their mouth and the wide periodontal pockets caused by the infection will heal and reattach to the teeth. This allows the patients gum tissue to fit snugly around the tooth, providing it with a barrier to decay and effectively treating gum disease in Leesburg, VA.

Once a patient has had treatment for periodontal disease, even when it is a non-surgical treatment like scaling and root planning, their dentist will recommend periodontal maintenance visits. It is typically performed on a three to four month basis, a more frequent schedule than routine cleanings, but highly effective at protecting the patients smile from bleeding gums and the bone loss of gum disease.

Why Partner With NOVA Perio Specialists For Gum Disease Treatment In Leesburg, VA?

It is important that you have full confidence in the periodontal team you choose to work with to treat your gum disease. At NOVA Perio Specialists, we focus on bringing you the latest techniques to address your periodontal disease and stop its progression.

Dr. Jean-Claude Kharmouche, Dr. Justin Hardison, Dr. Alka Panwar, Dr. Sanaz Vahid, and Dr. Yousuf Al-Aboosi are passionate about the field of periodontics. They are equally as passionate to bring advanced technologies to their patients as well as a range of periodontal treatment services and dental implant choices.

When you become a patient at NOVA Perio Specialists, you can count on receiving unparalleled, customized care. Your healthy smile is what drives us to excellence.

For more information about periodontal disease and available treatments, come to our office today. Contact Dr. Jean-Claude Kharmouche and the team at our Nova Perio Specialists-Periodontics and Dental Implants office to schedule an appointment!

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