is a serious condition that once it becomes advanced, cannot be reversed. This doesn’t mean your smile is out of luck, however. Our Greater Fort Lauderdale, FL, dentists can employ procedures like scaling and root planing to deep clean your teeth and surrounding gum tissue. Working above and below the gum line to remove tartar buildup results in reduced gum inflammation and a healthier smile.
Here’s what you should know about periodontal treatment.
Signs of Gum Disease (Periodontitis)
It’s important to keep an eye out for so you can receive treatment before the condition worsens and causes bone or tooth loss. Generally, gum disease shows up as:
- Bleeding gums (during or after brushing teeth)
- Gums that are red, swollen, and tender to the touch
- Chronic bad breath
- Receding gums
- Teeth that are loose or shifting
- Changes in your bite (how your teeth fit together)
- Deep pockets between teeth and gums
How Can Scaling and Root Planing Help?
Scaling and root planing is a procedure performed in our Plantation, FL, dental office to treat moderate to severe forms of gum disease. It’s non-surgical and aims to remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria from below the gumline. The root surfaces of the teeth are also smoothed at this time.
Before getting started, our dentists will conduct an oral examination of your teeth and gums, which may include X-rays. This step will help our team assess the full extent of the periodontal disease. Next, to ensure you feel comfortable during the procedure, a local anesthetic may be administered to numb the gums and tooth roots.
We’ll then use special instruments such as scalers and/or ultrasonic devices to remove plaque and tartar from the tooth surfaces, both above and below the gumline. These instruments can reach into the pockets formed between the gums and teeth to remove bacteria and debris.
After the scaling portion is complete, the next step is root planing. This involves smoothing out the rough surfaces of the tooth roots to encourage proper gum reattachment and prevent the growth of new bacteria. You may need to come in for multiple visits to complete the entire process, depending on the severity of your gum disease.
Make an Appointment
Our dentists serving Plantation and Greater Fort Lauderdale, FL, are here to help you manage your gum disease. Call Barr Dental Group today at (954) 327-7400 to request an appointment with us.