Treat Gum Disease with Scaling and Root Planing Therapy

Chronic gum disease can put you at risk for potentially serious complications, including tooth loss. Dr. Michael Sharp can help you halt the progression of periodontitis with a scaling and root planing procedure at the Sharp Smile Center in Portage, MI. Our dental practice offers full-service periodontal care, including laser treatments and surgery to help patients achieve and maintain optimal oral health.

About Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is a common infection of the structures around the teeth. Plaque causes a build-up of microscopic toxins, resulting in inflammation that can penetrate gum tissue, ligaments and even bone.

Periodontitis symptoms include gum tissue recession, bleeding, persistent bad breath, and eventually, loosening of teeth. Chronic periodontal disease is also associated with potentially serious health conditions, including stroke and heart disease. 

The good news is, however, gum disease is treatable and manageable, especially if you detect it in its early stages. While many people believe tooth loss is part of the aging process, this is not true. Periodontitis is the cause, and tooth loss can be prevented. 

Scaling and Root Planing

Dr. Sharp can treat moderate to severe gum disease with scaling and root planing. If you have persistent periodontal disease, with deep gum pockets, you may be a candidate for this treatment. Although periodontal therapy is not a permanent cure, it can make periodontitis manageable and help prevent further deterioration.

Also known as periodontal deep cleaning, scaling and root planing removes plaque and calculus deposits that lie beneath gum tissue on the surface of tooth roots.

Also known as periodontal deep cleaning, scaling and root planing removes plaque and calculus deposits that lie beneath gum tissue on the surface of tooth roots. The roots and crown are scaled to remove all debris and bacteria, then planed to smooth away rough surfaces. Resurfacing roots prevents plaque and tartar from re-adhering beneath the gums, allowing gum pockets to heal and reattach snugly to teeth.

For efficient, effective deep cleaning, our dentists use a vibrating, ultrasonic scaler. This advanced tool removes unwanted material and creates oxygen bubbles that break down bacteria. Electronic scaling is followed by hand scaling to ensure roots and periodontal pockets are completely clean. Once planing is complete, we will often place antibiotics in the periodontal pockets to destroy bacteria, disinfect, and promote healing.

Sharp Smile Center offers sedation options to help patients feel completely relaxed and comfortable during deep cleaning sessions. Alternatively, scaling and planing therapy can be performed with local (numbing) anesthesia only, and over-the-counter medication is normally sufficient to control sensitivity after the procedure.  

Complete Periodontal Care 

At the Sharp Smile Center, periodontal assessments are part of our regular dental exams. If gum disease is present, our dentists can keep it under control with periodontal care. Depending on the extent of your symptoms, we may perform periodontal laser treatment, scaling and root planing, or gum surgery. For patients with advanced periodontitis and bone loss, we may recommend a bone grafting procedure.

After a periodontal treatment session, it is important for patients to participate in a maintenance program. This should include more frequent hygienic cleanings (three to four each year) and following the dentist’s instructions for home care. Periodic laser treatments may also be recommended for some patients.

Improve Your Oral Health

For gum disease treatment, and all of your dental care needs, trust the Sharp Smile Center. Our dentists have been practicing world class dentistry for 35 years, and offer top-of-the-line technology paired with caring, personalized treatment. Contact us today to schedule your dental examination, cleaning, or personal consultation.