Scaling and Root Planing – Wilmington, IL
Deep Cleaning for Your Gums
Gum disease is an oral health condition that affects millions of Americans, many of whom have no idea they have it. If gum disease is detected in its earliest stage (gingivitis) it can be effectively treated with better oral hygiene habits and routine cleanings. However, leaving the infection untreated will allow it to grow much worse and require more complex care. At Grand Dental – Wilmington, our in-house periodontist performs scaling and root planing to combat the spread of gum disease. Contact us today if you are concerned about the health of your gums.
Why Choose Grand Dental – Wilmington For Scaling & Root Planing?
- Board-Certified Periodontist On Staff
- Friday & Saturday Appointments Available Every Other Week
- Customized Care to Meet Patient Needs
How Do I Know If I Need Scaling and Root Planing?
The only way to know for certain if you need scaling and root planing is to see our in-house, board-certified periodontist. He will use digital imaging and X-rays to evaluate your gums and discover what type of treatment they need. The most common signs that indicate scaling and planing is needed to address advanced gingivitis or periodontitis include:
- Receding gums that pull away from the teeth, making the teeth appear longer
- Persistent bad breath that doesn’t go away even after brushing and flossing
- Tenderness, redness, and bleeding in the gums when brushing or flossing
How Does the Procedure Work?
Scaling and root planing is essentially a deep cleaning for your gums. During scaling, our team will remove the plaque and tartar that have accumulated on the teeth and in the gum pockets. After this first step has been completed, we will move onto root planing. We will use specialized tools to smooth out the roots of the teeth, making it more difficult for bacteria to gain a foothold and reinfect the area. Additionally, this will encourage the gum tissue to reattach to the teeth.
Scaling and root planing are typically completed over the course of one or two visits. However, in severe cases, a patient may require more appointments to thoroughly clean the area. To ensure your comfort during this procedure, we will likely use local anesthesia to numb the area and perhaps sedation dentistry to provide maximum relaxation.
Benefits of Scaling and Root Planing
Receiving scaling and root planing from a trusted and highly trained periodontist in Wilmington can expect benefits like:
- Saving your teeth from loss or extraction
- Conservative treatment to address gum disease before it gets worse
- After healing, less irritation in the mouth while eating
- A healthier and more comfortable mouth
- Improved overall health, as gum disease is linked to many systemic health issues