We use a special tool called a “scaler” that scrapes away plaque buildup and active infection. We typically use a local anesthetic to manage any discomfort.
Gum Disease Therapy in Gainesville
Scaling & Root Planing
For advanced periodontal disease, you’ll need a deep cleaning process to remove buildup and promote healing.
Early stages of gum disease are manageable and potentially reversible with timely dental cleanings and regular at-home care. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to gum recession, bone loss and eventually, tooth loss. If you’re experiencing symptoms like bleeding when you floss or swollen gums, make an appointment today.
At GoSmiles, our compassionate providers can help diagnose, prevent, and treat gum disease in all its forms and guide you through effective options for gum disease therapy in Gainesville.
Scaling & Root Planing for Gum Disease
Advanced gum disease requires deep cleaning techniques to remove bacteria and buildup above and below the gum line, in gum pockets and in areas of bone loss.
Scaling and root planing are techniques we use that provide deep cleanings that go beyond a routine dental cleaning.
Everyone has gum pockets. Gum Pockets are the space between the gum and the tooth structure. 1-3mm pockets are considered healthy while 4-10mm is considered mild or advanced periodontitis. At each visit, your hygienist will monitor the depth of each pocket and irrigate with antiseptic medication, if inflammation or infection is present.
What To Expect
Root planning is more of a rubbing motion, used to smooth rough spots on the roots of your teeth to make it less habitable for bacteria. Root planing helps close the gum pockets to prevent infection and promote healing. We may also apply antibiotic medication. This allows your gums to heal and tighten up reducing the debt of your gum pocket.
Once you have been diagnosed with Periodontal Disease and have completed the SRP Deep cleaning, a regular cleaning is no longer appropriate. This cleaning is recommended every 3 to 4 months in order to maintain gum health and eradicate the infectious bacterial growth that occurs with periodontal disease.
Standard cleanings will not reach the areas of bone loss of the deep gum pockets where the disease is found. Periodontal visits will be similar to SRP but not as lengthy of a procedure or as uncomfortable
If good dental health is maintained in office and home, the length of time between cleanings can change to 6 months, but will always be a periodontal cleaning.
About Us
Meet Your Experts
GoSmiles provides next-level service and care for your oral health needs.
Our team of dentists is committed to providing expert care with the best technology and techniques available. To make it easier for our patients to achieve the highest level of oral health, we’ve curated a personal and comfortable environment that makes you look forward to your visits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Scaling and root planing are painless procedures because we use a local anesthetic to numb the treatment area before beginning. You may experience some slight tenderness after your treatment that’s manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Once your mouth heals, you’ll experience less sensitivity in your gums, and they will slowly return to normal for most patients.
Scaling and root planing are typically recommended for patients who have advanced gum disease or who are at risk. During your routine dental check-up, your dentist may recommend scheduling a deep cleaning if necessary.
The entire process can take 1 to 2 hours. In some cases, to keep your appointment shorter, we may clean part of the mouth during one appointment and have you return to complete the other.
Unfortunately, periodontal disease cannot be cured, only managed. This is why a “standard” cleaning is no longer appropriate as the infection will remain below the gum line and need to be professionally cleaned every 3-4 months.
Periodontal visits will be similar to SRP but not as lengthy of a procedure or as uncomfortable.
Comprehensive Restorative Dental Care
Reach out and find out more about how GoSmiles Dentistry can help with gum disease therapy in Gainesville.