Scaling & Root Planing in Chandler, AZ When gum disease strikes, it starts as gingivitis, which is an infection that affects only the gums. Symptoms of gingivitis include redness and swelling of the gums as well as bleeding gums when brushing or flossing. These symptoms may not be painful and are often ignored. Untreated, gum disease continues to get worse, turning into periodontitis, and can cause several severe issues. Your teeth and jawbone are in danger of deteriorating as well as your gums. You risk infections, which can enter your blood stream and your teeth may become loose and fall out. Intervention is needed to prevent these things from happening. Often, the best course of action is scaling and root planing, and Dr. Scholes of Scholes Periodontics and Implants can help.Scaling Plaque and tartar build up on your teeth, both above and below the gum line, putting pressure on your gums, which causes the irritation and inflammation. Your gums may also feel tender to the touch. Tartar cannot be removed by normal brushing alone. It requires a dental tool to get the job done. The dental hygienist uses an ultrasonic scaling tool to remove buildup from the surface of your teeth, both above and below the gum line. You will be given local anesthetic to minimize any discomfort during this procedure.Root PlaningRoot planing involves smoothing the surface of the roots of your teeth. In doing this, tartar, toxins and bacteria are removed. The process promotes healing and disrupts bacterial growth. It also aids in the prevention of severe infections, which can enter the blood stream and spread to other parts of the body. The ProcessBefore scaling and root planing, Dr. Scholes will perform a thorough oral exam. The condition of your teeth and gums as well as the amount of buildup is assessed. Pockets in the gums, where bacteria can hide and grow, are measured. X-rays are also taken to look at the condition of your jaw bone. All of these things help to determine the extent of your gum disease and if scaling and root planing is the right course of action. You are also encouraged to develop a good oral hygiene routine at home—brushing at least twice a day, flossing, and using mouthwash. This will help keep plaque and bacteria at bay, allowing your gums to continue to heal. A healthy diet can help improve your overall health, strengthening your teeth and providing you with essential vitamins and minerals that can help speed your recovery. BenefitsThere are several benefits of scaling and root planing:
Cleaning Before SurgeryWhen gum disease is extremely advanced, surgery may be required in order to heal your gums. At this point, the pockets in your gums are too deep to be kept clean by any amount of periodontal maintenance cleanings. Prior to surgery, scaling and root planing is performed to clean the area and prepare your gums to heal well. After surgery, you are prescribed a medicated mouthwash and antibiotics. These are meant to minimize bacterial growth and prevent infection while encouraging healing. If you are facing more advanced stages of gum disease, scaling and root planing may be part of the treatment you need to help return your mouth to a healthy state. Call Scholes Periodontics and Implants at (602) 900-1609 today to discuss your options. |
 Scholes Periodontics & Implants
Dr. Scholes 595 N Dobson Rd B#34 Chandler, AZ 85224 O: (602) 900-1609 F: (480) 786-5694 Hours:
Monday: 9AM–3PM Tuesday: 7AM–4:30PM Wednesday: 7AM–4PM Thursday: 7AM–4PM Friday: 7AM–1PM Saturday: Closed Sunday: Closed |
