When Routine Cleanings Are Not Enough
Brushing and flossing our teeth regularly is something that most people know is important, even if they may not practice these routines often enough. We know that good oral hygiene keeps our teeth, mouths, and tongues healthy, and if we don’t pay attention to them, we’ll probably pay a price. Sometimes, it means gingivitis, or inflammation of the gums, which can easily be treated by a routine cleaning. But other times, that’s not enough, because the teeth have gone too long without proper care. When that’s the case, scaling and root planing is the answer. Scaling and root planing is a periodontal therapy in Orlando that can reverse a lot of the damage that may result from poor oral hygiene, restoring a healthy and beautiful smile. Let’s take a closer look at the procedure, here.
What is Scaling and Root Planing?
If a person has gone too long without flossing and regular cleanings by a professional, plaque will build up above and below the gums and cause the onset of periodontal disease. Plaque is a sticky, bacteria-filled film that develops around our teeth from everyday encounters with food, and regular brushing and flossing go a long way toward removing it before it can become troublesome. But if left undisturbed long enough, it turns to tartar, which is much more difficult to remove. Scaling and root planing, sometimes called deep cleaning, are actually two procedures that, when performed together, can remove tartar and keep bacteria from returning.
During scaling, special tools are used to gently and safely scrape the surface of teeth to remove plaque and tartar. This scraping can extend beneath the gum line, and if need be, down to the root of the teeth, to clean hard-to-reach areas. Because plaque and tartar are more likely to attach to rough areas, the tooth’s roots are smoothed through the process of root planing, so that these harmful substances are not encouraged to grow back. Once both procedures have been completed, the teeth are allowed to heal and the gums should establish a tight bond around them, which will help seal out food particles that can cause bacteria to grow.
Why Scaling and Root Planing?
It’s never a good idea to ignore the early symptoms of gum disease — red and tender gums, puffy gums, or bleeding during brushing — because these symptoms rarely if ever go away by themselves and almost always lead to worse. Scaling and root planing is a periodontal therapy in Orlando that’s often used on patients who are in the early stages of gum disease, and many times it’s all they need to halt the progression. For other patients, however, these procedures are done in preparation of periodontal surgery, giving the teeth and gums a thorough cleaning and then allowing them to heal, before more invasive measures are taken.
We’re Experts at Periodontal Therapy in Orlando
No matter what shape your smile might be in, we have the expertise and the technology to make it beautiful! Our suite of services can address a host of issues, and our gentle and knowledgeable staff always put the patient’s care and privacy first. From routine cleanings to dental implants, we’re here to make sure you never feel less than confident about your smile!
For more information about our suite of services, get in touch with us today!
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