Periodontal Scaling and Root Planing: Let Us Help You Maintain Optimal Periodontal Health
Did you know gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults? The good news is that this doesn’t have to happen to you. Periodontal disease is preventable, and effective treatment options are available when prevention fails.
McMullin Dental Care offers scaling and root planing (SRP) in Monroe, Michigan, as a conservative option for treating moderate to severe gum disease. Please schedule an appointment with Dr. Maria McMullin, and let us help you maintain healthy gums.
What do scaling and root planing involve?
Gingivitis—the earliest form of gum disease—is reversible with good oral hygiene and regular dental cleanings. However, when standard gum disease treatments aren’t effective, and you don’t need surgery, the dentist will recommend scaling and root planing to restore your gum health.
- Scaling: This procedure removes plaque and tartar from your teeth, especially between teeth and from the deep periodontal pockets. It’s like deep cleaning your teeth to stop gum disease from spreading.
- Root planing: After scaling, root planing smooths out the roots of your teeth. This helps your gums reattach to your teeth and reduces pockets where bacteria can hide. It’s an important step to restore gum health and protect your teeth.
What can I expect from scaling and root planing?
This procedure requires at least 2-3 appointments. Since the treatment is a bit extensive, Dr. McMullin will numb your gums with anesthetics for a painless dental experience. Our dental hygienist will treat each half of the mouth at a time, allowing you to use the other half between appointments.
After your treatment, it’s normal to experience mild swelling, bruising, and bleeding. Your exposed roots may also feel tender and sensitive. To ensure a smooth recovery, we’ll provide detailed aftercare instructions. We will suggest home remedies like applying ice packs to reduce discomfort and swelling.
During healing, stick to soft, easy-to-chew foods such as mashed potatoes, yogurt, broths, and smoothies. It’s also crucial to follow the oral hygiene recommended by Dr. McMullin to prevent re-infection and promote optimal healing. With proper care, you’ll be on your way to a healthier, cleaner smile.
We will also schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your healing progress. Most patients respond favorably to deep teeth cleaning. However, if you don’t, we’ll recommend advanced treatments, including gum flap surgery and tissue grafting techniques.
What are the benefits of scaling and root planing?
Scaling and root planing (SRP) is a nonsurgical yet effective treatment that prevents periodontal disease from progressing into more severe stages. Here are its benefits.
- Promotes optimal gum health: SRP removes irritants, allowing gums to heal and return to a healthy state.
- Eliminates bad breath: Bacteria trapped in plaque and tartar cause foul-smelling compounds. SRP eliminates unhealthy deposits to freshen your breath.
- Prevents tooth loss: Early gum disease intervention saves teeth from dental extraction.
- Improves overall health: Bacteria in your mouth can travel through your bloodstream to other body parts. Reducing harmful bacteria improves your whole-body health.
- It’s cost-effective: Early intervention prevents gum disease from progressing to more advanced stages, which are more expensive to treat.
Do you need periodontal teeth cleaning near Monroe, Michigan?
Are your gums tender or bleeding? Call McMullin Dental Care at (734) 868-5115 to schedule an appointment. Our team will assess your gums and recommend SRP if it’s the right solution.
