Periodontal Scaling and Root Planing in Philadelphia, PA

Working toward a healthy smile means proper oral hygiene. From brushing and flossing at least twice a day to visiting your dentist for your semiannual checkups, routine care remains vital to remove buildup. However, observing signs of infection is also an important preventive method that can keep your teeth and gums healthy.

For many, signs of infection include swelling or redness in the gums, toothaches, and bleeding. These irritations can indicate a mild form of gum disease or gingivitis. However, it can progress into periodontitis if left untreated, where extreme bone loss is possible.

If you require periodontal scaling and root planing in Philadelphia, PA, count on Pennsylvania Center for Dental Excellence. Below, we’ll explain the causes of periodontitis, why it requires treatment, and how the treatment procedures work.

What Causes Gum Disease / Periodontitis?

Gum disease or periodontitis may result from poor oral hygiene. Whether nightly brushing and flossing isn’t your thing or you have difficulty reaching certain spots on your teeth due to braces or crooked teeth, a buildup can occur in the form of:

• Food debris.
• Tartar (calculus).
• Plaque.

Bacteria form in your gum tissues once particles lodge themselves in the gum line or between your teeth. In response, your sockets start to loosen and deepen. If your sockets deepen to 4 mm or more, it’s time for periodontal scaling and root planing in Philadelphia, PA.

What Happens When You Leave Periodontitis Untreated?

Deepened gum sockets of at least 4 mm may not seem like a problem at first. However, periodontitis tends to worsen over time, leading to more serious complications.

Tooth Loss

As your gums recede and your pockets expand, they detach from your teeth. Unfortunately, this means your teeth are prone to becoming slightly loose or falling out altogether, depending on the severity of your case. Moreover, periodontal infections contribute to spots and staining on the surface of your teeth.

Instead of dealing with the possibility of discoloration and tooth loss, you can turn to professional periodontal scaling and root planing in Philadelphia, PA. These procedures will remove staining above the gumline and bacteria below the surface.

Bad Breath

Bad breath is common when food gets stuck between your teeth and gums. Bacteria build up and release a sulfur compound, which leads to a bad smell. While this may be a mild inconvenience that you can mask with mouthwash, mints, and better hygiene, severe cases may require a dental visit for a permanent cure.

Bodily Disease

Numerous problems stemming from diminishing oral health can affect your overall health. For example, periodontal illness can lead to tooth loss, jaw pain, headaches, and improper chewing, leading to poor digestion. Further, as the disease progresses, so do the effects on your body.

As the harmful bacteria from your mouth travel into your bloodstream, the bacteria spread to other parts of your body, contributing to:

• Osteoporosis.
• Alzheimer’s disease.
• Lung infections.
• Heart disease

What Does Treatment Entail?

During a gum health checkup, your dentist will measure your gum sockets. If they surpass a depth of 3 mm, they will discuss forms of deep cleaning that will restore your gum health and prevent other diseases from formulating. Depending on your sockets’ depth and the buildup’s thickness, your dentist may use a topical anesthetic to alleviate discomfort.

Whether you require periodontal scaling, root planing, or both, you can expect two visits to your dentist’s office. During each visit, your dentist will work on one side of your mouth at a time.

Periodontal Scaling

Periodontal scaling mainly works to rid your teeth of calculi and other forms of buildup above and below the gumline. During this procedure, your dentist will use tools like ultrasonic scalers, which use vibrations or frequencies to break apart thick calculi. Many of these tools also distribute antimicrobial elements to kill and prevent bacteria.

Root Planing

Root planing also contributes to removing unwanted bacteria, tartar, and microorganisms. However, it goes a step further to smooth the roots of your teeth. By doing so, the gums can learn to reattach to the roots, promoting health and healing.

Pennsylvania Center for Dental Excellence

While these nonsurgical procedures are usually effective, extreme cases may require a repeat of these procedures. However, having them done poorly will always need more work.

If you’re looking for a professional team to work effectively at treating your periodontitis, you can count on us. Dr. Christine Han, DMD, and her staff have ten years of experience, and they’ll assist you with periodontal scaling and root planing in Philadelphia, PA. So call Pennsylvania Center for Dental Excellence at 215-969-4400 today!