Your gums are essential for a healthy smile and overall well-being. It's easy to focus on your teeth, but your gums provide critical support. When bacteria build up below the gumline, it can lead to periodontal disease, a serious condition that can damage the foundation of your teeth.
If you have early or progressing gum disease, periodontal scaling and root planing is a key treatment. This isn't a routine cleaning; it's a deep cleaning that meticulously removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline and smooths the tooth root surfaces.
This crucial treatment is available at Encore Dental Studio, where we focus on restoring your gum health and protecting your smile.
Periodontitis is a severe gum infection that damages the soft tissue and, without treatment, can destroy the bone supporting your teeth. It's a common but preventable condition that results from poor oral hygiene.
Several factors contribute to the development of periodontitis, including:
Recognizing the early symptoms of gum disease is crucial:
SRP is performed in two parts:
While regular dental cleanings focus on the surfaces of the teeth above the gum line, SRP targets areas below the gum line. This deep cleaning is essential for patients with gum disease, as it addresses the root causes of the infection.
The procedure meticulously cleans deep into gum pockets, which form as gum disease progresses. Regular cleanings can't reach these depths. Scaling and root planing uses specialized tools to thoroughly remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria from these hidden areas.
Untreated periodontal disease can lead to bone loss around the teeth. SRP helps halt this process by eliminating the bacteria responsible for bone deterioration.
Chronic halitosis can be a sign of gum disease, as bacteria produce foul-smelling compounds.
Inflamed gums that bleed easily are indicative of periodontal issues.
As gums recede and bone is lost, teeth may become loose—a clear sign that SRP may be necessary.
Dentists begin by assessing gum health, measuring pocket depths, and taking X-rays to evaluate bone loss.
This step involves meticulously removing all plaque and hardened tartar from tooth surfaces, both above and below the gum line, reaching the bottom of each gum pocket.
The roots of the teeth are smoothed to discourage further bacterial colonization and promote reattachment of the gums.
To ensure patient comfort, a local anesthetic is administered to numb the treatment area.
For those with dental anxiety, sedation options such as nitrous oxide or oral sedatives may be offered.
These devices use vibrations to break up plaque and tartar, making the cleaning process more efficient.
After ultrasonic scaling, fine hand instruments and curettes are used for meticulous cleaning and smoothing of the root surfaces, ensuring complete removal of deposits and toxins.
By treating active gum disease and halting bone loss, this procedure significantly helps in preserving your natural teeth.
Removing bacteria responsible for bad breath leads to fresher breath. Gums become healthier—less red, swollen, and prone to bleeding.
Treating gum disease reduces systemic inflammation, which is linked to conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory problems. It's a proactive step for your overall well-being.
It's common to experience some discomfort and sensitivity following the procedure, which typically subsides within a few days.
Mild swelling or bleeding may occur but should diminish as healing progresses.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle flossing techniques to maintain cleanliness without irritating the gums.
These substances can impede healing and should be avoided during the recovery period.
Gums typically begin to reattach to the teeth within a week, with full healing occurring over several weeks.
Patients often notice reduced inflammation and improved gum health within a few weeks post-treatment.
Regular follow-up visits every 3-4 months help maintain gum health and prevent disease recurrence.
Dentists will monitor pocket depths and overall gum condition to assess treatment effectiveness.
As inflammation reduces, gums may appear to recede slightly, exposing a bit more tooth root. This is a common sign of healing.
Temporary sensitivity to hot/cold can occur due to exposed root surfaces. This usually subsides within weeks; special toothpastes can help.
Regular cleanings are typically every 6 months for healthy gums. Periodontal maintenance is more frequent (every 3-4 months) for individuals treated for gum disease.
Regular cleanings prevent disease. Periodontal maintenance manages and prevents recurrence of gum disease in treated individuals, focusing on ongoing infection control.
Cost depends on disease severity and location. Most dental insurance plans cover a portion as it's a necessary medical procedure, but coverage varies.
While an upfront cost, it's an investment in keeping your natural teeth. Ignoring gum disease leads to more expensive treatments like implants or bridges later.
While SRP can't reverse all damage, it can halt the progression of gum disease and allow for healing of the gums.
Oral health is deeply connected to overall health.
Chronic gum inflammation can lead to systemic inflammation, increasing risks for heart attacks, strokes, and making diabetes harder to manage.
Treating gum disease with scaling and root planing reduces this systemic inflammation, actively contributing to better heart health and overall well-being.
A diet rich in vitamins C and D, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids supports gum health and healing.
Staying hydrated and considering supplements as advised by a healthcare provider can enhance recovery.
At follow-ups, your dental professional will re-measure gum pockets to confirm successful healing and tailor future maintenance.
Regular X-rays monitor bone levels, and visual checks assess inflammation, ensuring long-term gum health.
Other options exist for advanced cases or alternative approaches.
Laser-assisted new attachment procedure (LANAP) is a minimally invasive laser treatment for diseased tissue, often with faster recovery.
For very deep pockets or advanced bone loss, surgical options like flap surgery, bone grafts, or gum grafts might be recommended.
Preventing the need for another SRP requires ongoing commitment.
At Encore Dental Studio in Winston-Salem, we are committed to providing comprehensive dental services with a focus on comfort, efficiency, and results.
From same-day dental crowns to emergency dentistry, our experienced team ensures your oral health needs are met quickly and effectively.
We proudly serve families and individuals in Winston-Salem and surrounding areas, offering a welcoming environment where your smile comes first.
Whether you need immediate emergency care, a same-day crown, or a routine dental checkup, Encore Dental Studio is here for you.
We are located at 755 Highland Oaks Dr STE 106, Winston-Salem, NC 27103, and we are open Monday through Thursday from 8 AM to 4:30 PM, and closed Friday through Sunday.
Periodontal scaling and root planing offer more than just a cleaner mouth—they provide a second chance for your gums to heal and thrive. If you're experiencing signs of gum disease, ignoring them can lead to long-term consequences, including tooth loss and systemic health complications.
By taking action now and partnering with a trusted dental team like Encore Dental Studio, you’re not only protecting your smile… you’re protecting your future health.
Yes, most people resume normal activity the same day, although mild discomfort is common.
Yes, the gums can reattach over time as inflammation subsides and healing progresses.
With anesthesia, most patients feel pressure but no pain. Post-treatment sensitivity may occur.
Improved gum tightness, reduced bleeding, and shallower pockets during follow-up indicate success.
Typically, every 3-4 months, rather than the standard 6 months for routine cleanings.
Whether you need immediate emergency care, a same-day crown, or a routine dental checkup, Encore Dental Studio is here for you.
