Deep Teeth Cleaning in Anderson IN

The initial stage of treatment for periodontal disease is usually a thorough cleaning that may include scaling or root planing. The objective of these non-surgical procedures is to remove etiologic agents such as dental plaque and tartar, or calculus, which cause gingival inflammation and disease. Scaling and root planing can be used as a stand-alone treatment or a preventative measure. They are commonly performed in cases of gingivitis and moderate to severe periodontal disease.

What Do the Procedures Entail?

Dr. Weiandt will only perform scaling and root planing after a thorough examination of the mouth, which may include taking x-rays and visually examining the mouth. Depending on the condition of the gums, the amount of tartar present, the depth of the pockets, and the progression of periodontitis, scaling, and root planing. In some cases, local anesthesia may be used during the procedure.

Scaling:

When scaling, calculus and plaque attached to the tooth surfaces are removed. The process mainly targets the area below the gum line, along the root. Scaling is performed with a special dental tool called an ultrasonic scaling tool. The scaling tool usually includes an irrigation process that can deliver an antimicrobial agent below the gums to help reduce oral bacteria.

Root Planing:

Root planing is performed to remove cementum and surface dentin that is embedded with unwanted microorganisms, toxins, and tartar. The tooth’s root is smoothed, which promotes healing and helps prevent bacteria from easily colonizing in the future.

Antibiotics or irrigation with antimicrobials (chemical agents or mouth rinses) may be recommended to help control the growth of bacteria that create toxins and cause periodontitis. Sometimes, antibiotic fibers may be placed in the periodontal pockets after scaling and planing. This may be done to control infection and to encourage routine healing.

When deep pockets between teeth and gums are present, it is difficult to remove plaque and tartar thoroughly. Patients can seldom, if ever, keep these pockets clean and plaque-free. Consequently, surgery may be needed to restore periodontal health.

Benefits of Treatment

If treatment is successful, scaling and planing may have many periodontal benefits. One is that it can help prevent disease. Research has proven that bacteria from periodontal infections can travel through the bloodstream and affect other areas of the body, sometimes causing heart and respiratory diseases. Scaling and root planing remove bacteria that cause these conditions.

Another benefit of treatment is protecting teeth against tooth loss. The risk for periodontal disease increases when gum pockets exceed 3mm in depth. As pockets deepen, more bacteria can colonize, eventually causing a chronic inflammatory response by the body to destroy the gingival and bone tissue. This leads to tooth loss.

Finally, scaling and root planing may make the mouth more aesthetically pleasing and reduce bad breath caused by food particles and bacteria in the oral cavity. Superficial stains on the teeth will be removed during scaling and planing, adding a bonus to the procedures.