We Overcome Periodontal Disease with Non-Surgical Scaling and Root Planing (SRP)
Gum disease is a common oral condition that affects the gum tissues surrounding your teeth. Because it’s virtually pain-free, many patients are unaware they have the disease. Unfortunately, untreated periodontal disease can cause gum recession, tooth loss, and other damage. Edmondson Family Dental Care offers scaling and root planing (SRP) to prevent the escalation of gum disease. This non-surgical treatment promotes healing and encourages gum tissues to reattach to your teeth for optimal periodontal health.
How does gum disease develop?
Gum disease occurs when dental plaque (oral biofilm) forms on your teeth and beneath the gum line. Plaque is removable by flossing and brushing. However, when you neglect your oral hygiene, harmful bacteria mix with saliva and food debris to form plaque.
Gum disease has two stages.
- Gingivitis: This is the earliest stage of gum disease. It occurs when the bacteria in plaque produce toxins that inflame the gums, causing redness, swelling, and tenderness. Sometimes, you may notice your gums bleeding, especially when brushing your teeth.
- Periodontitis: Untreated gingivitis causes harmful bacteria to attack the periodontal ligaments, causing gums to pull away (recede) from your teeth, exposing the roots. Over time, the harmful bacteria attack the teeth-supporting structures, causing tooth loss.
What are scaling and root planing?
Our office takes a gentle, conservative approach to treating gum disease. In its early stages, gingivitis is reversible through regular professional cleanings and consistent at-home oral hygiene. However, if gum disease has advanced beyond gingivitis, a more intensive treatment like deep teeth cleaning—known as scaling and root planing—may be necessary to remove bacteria. This two-pronged treatment approach allows us to address gum disease while preserving as much of your natural gum and tooth structure as possible.
Scaling removes plaque, tartar, and bacterial toxins from the deep periodontal pockets. Planing smooths rough spots from the roots to create a healthy, clean surface that makes it easier for gums to reattach to the teeth. SRP may be the only treatment you need, although sometimes antibiotic therapy is needed to prevent reinfection.
What can I expect from scaling and root planing?
The procedure may need up to three visits, depending on the extent of the infection. Since dental cleanings are more thorough than regular teeth cleanings, the dentist numbs your mouth with powerful anesthetics to ensure a painless dental experience.
The dentist treats each half (or quadrant) of your mouth per visit to ensure you can use the other half between visits. After treatment, you can expect mild bruising, swelling, and bleeding. Our dental team will give you post-op instructions to ensure a smooth recovery. We’ll also schedule follow-up visits to monitor your treatment progress. For many patients, SRP is all that is needed, but others may require periodontal surgery if they don’t respond to non-surgical treatments.
What are the benefits of scaling and root planing?
Deep teeth cleaning is non-surgical and works for many patients. After a few treatments, many patients observe a significant improvement as their gum tissues return to their healthy, pink appearance.
Here are the many benefits of SRP:
- Enhanced aesthetics
- Restored ability to chew without pain or sensitivity
- Prevent tooth loss and damage to other oral structures
- Eliminates bad breath
- Supports long-term oral health
Do you miss your healthy gums?
Your gums are crucial to your oral health. So, if you suspect periodontal disease, it’s time to schedule an appointment with Edmondson Family Dental Care for scaling and root planing. Call (410) 944-9090 to reserve your appointment. Alternatively, you can schedule a convenient online appointment.