Scale and Root Planing
Rockford & Loves Park, IL
Scale and Root Planing
Rockford & Loves Park, IL
If you have been diagnosed with a periodontal disease, Burch Dental will schedule a deep cleaning followed by a scaling and root planing procedure.
Deep teeth cleaning, scaling and root planing is often suggested if you are suffering from periodontal disease. Periodontal disease refers to disease that infects the gums, which can involve issues with gums that are bleeding or swollen. If left untreated long enough periodontal disease can result in the deterioration of the jawbone and the eventual loss of the tooth.
If you have been diagnosed with a periodontal disease, Burch Dental will schedule a deep cleaning followed by a scaling and root planing procedure. During the scaling and root planing procedure, plaque and calculus will be removed from the teeth which will allow for the gums to heal and the pockets that have developed to shrink.
The team at Burch Dental has a simple goal. That is to ensure your trust through our commitment to quality treatment and your continued satisfaction. It is our daily agenda to maintain a caring environment that is respectful and comfortable for everyone. Our team members are united in our efforts to promote oral health by means of prevention, enhancement, wellness, and rejuvenation. Call or visit one of our convenient locations today to schedule your appointment for an evaluation regarding a deep teeth cleaning, scale, and root planing procedure.
Scaling specifically refers to the removal of plaque and calculus to the surface of your teeth, whereas root planing refers to smoothing out your teeth’s roots to prevent additional bacteria from forming and to speed up the healing process. By smoothing the root, healing will be facilitated and the likelihood of additional bacteria developing will be significantly reduced.
Scaling and root planing can be an extremely beneficial option if you are looking for a long-term solution for improving the health and aesthetic appearance of your smile. If you would like to learn more about the scaling and root planing procedure, contact our team at Burch Dental who will be happy to answer any of your questions and set up a consultation. Periodontal therapy refers to a range of surgical and non-surgical techniques that are designed to address gum disease to avoid jawbone deterioration.
The Types and Stages of Gum Disease
Periodontal disease is a progressive issue that will gradually increase in severity. Most patients who develop periodontal disease do so in the following order:
- Gingivitis: The first and earliest stage of periodontitis, gingivitis usually develops due to bacterial plaque that builds up along the gumline. Gingivitis is generally evident by sensitive gums that are red, puffy, and bleed easily. Burch Dental can stymie and reverse gingivitis with a proper cleaning and improved oral health care, but if it is not addressed quickly, it can develop into a more severe form of periodontitis.
- Early Periodontitis: Early periodontitis, or the second level, is caused by the continued build-up of bacterial plaque and develops when gingivitis is left untreated. Early periodontitis is generally indicated by symptoms that are like gingivitis, just more severe. Your gums will feel painful and more sensitive and brushing and flossing can result in excessive bleeding. Unlike gingivitis, which can usually be corrected with a deep cleaning and improved self-care practices, early periodontitis most likely require more intensive interventions, such as a deep cleaning and a root planing procedure.
- Advanced Periodontitis: When bacteria, plaque, and toxins have developed to the point that gum tissue is being destroyed, you have developed advanced periodontitis. If your gum disease has progressed to this point you have developed small pockets between your gums and teeth, which now act as a breeding ground for additional bacteria to grow. Because of the additional bacteria, these pockets continue to expand which cause the gums to recede. If left untreated long enough, this recession will result in bone loss.
The Benefits of Deep Teeth Cleaning
In addition to improving your smile, a dental cleaning will also improve your overall health. Benefits of regular dental cleanings include the following:
- Prevent cavities: The plaque that forms and collects on your teeth will inevitably begin to eat away at the enamel. Because plaque is the leading cause of decay, and because cavities that are left untreated can cause rot and significantly increase the likelihood of losing a tooth, scheduling a deep cleaning to remove this plaque is one of the easiest and best ways you can preserve and maintain good oral health.
- Prevents gum disease: Gum disease refers to the inflammation of the gums that is caused by a build-up of plaque around your teeth. The most common symptoms for gum disease are bleeding when brushing your teeth and inflammation. To prevent gum disease from developing, it is important to clean plaque and tartar away with regular dental cleanings.
- Reduce the likelihood of a heart attack or a stroke: In addition to causing issues to your teeth and gums, the bacteria that collects in your mouth from periodontitis can enter your bloodstream and increase your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. Research has proven that those who have gum disease are almost twice as likely to suffer from a heart attack and are also at a significantly higher risk of suffering a stroke.
- Reduces risk of diabetes: There is a direct correlation between gum disease and diabetes, given that if you have diabetes you are more vulnerable to developing gum disease, and if you have gum disease you are more likely to have issues regulating blood glucose levels, which can result in the development of diabetes. By scheduling regular deep cleanings, you can reduce your risk of developing these issues.
- Prevents halitosis: If you are suffering from periodontal or other oral health issues you can commonly develop issues related to bad breath. One of the benefits to having a deep cleaning is the elimination of this issue.