Treaments and Services
- Treatment Methods
- Prophylaxis (Teeth Cleaning)
- Bruxism Treatments
- Scaling and Root Planning
- Bite Adjustment
- Osseous Surgery
- Gum Grafting
- Frenectomy
- Crown Lengthening
- Bone Grafting
- Guided Bone and Tissue Regeneration
- Sinus Augmentation
- Cosmetic Periodontal Surgery
- Oral Cancer Exam
- TMJ Dysfunction
- Tooth Extraction
- Microbial Testing
- Local Antibiotic Treatment
- Periodontal Maintenance & Support Therapy
- Dental Implants
Scaling & Root Planning
The initial therapy for the treatment of treatment for periodontal disease is usually a thorough cleaning that includes scaling or root planning. The objective of these non-surgical procedures is to remove etiologic agents such as dental plaque and bacteria and tartar, or calculus, which cause gingival inflammation and periodontal disease. Scaling and root planning can be used as a stand-alone treatment, or a preventive measure. Scaling and root planning is commonly performed on cases of gingivitis and moderate to severe periodontal disease.
What do the procedures entail?
Dr. Rubino will only perform scaling and root planning after a thorough examination of the mouth, which may include taking X-rays and visually examining the mouth. Depending on the condition of the gums, the amount of tartar present, the depth of the pockets, and the progression of periodontitis, Dr. Rubino may recommend scaling and root planning. For your comfort and to facilitate thorough treatment, in most cases, a local anesthesia will be used during the procedure.
- Scaling:
When scaling is performed, calculus and plaque that attaches to the tooth surfaces is removed. The process especially targets the area below the gum line, along the root. Scaling is performed with special dental tools. Hand instrumentation with scalers and curettes as well as sonic and ultrasonic scaling tools and piezo instrumentation are used. - Root Planning:
Root planning is performed in order to remove cementum and surface dentin that is embedded with unwanted microorganisms, toxins and tartar. The root of the tooth is literally smoothed, which promotes healing, and also helps prevent bacteria from easily colonizing in the future.
Antibiotics or irrigation with anti-microbials (chemical agents or mouth rinses) may be recommended to help control the growth of bacteria that create toxins and cause periodontitis. In some cases, Dr. Rubino may place antibiotic microsperes or gels in the periodontal pockets after scaling and planning. This may be done to control infection and to encourage normal healing.
When deep pockets between teeth and gums are present, it is difficult for Dr. Rubino to thoroughly remove all plaque and tartar. In deep pockets, access and visibility may be inadequate. Patients can seldom, if ever, keep these pockets clean and free of plaque. Consequently, surgery may be needed to restore periodontal health.
Benefits of Treatment
Countless studies have confirmed that scaling and root planning is effective and reliable. Scaling and planning may have many periodontal benefits and can help prevent further disease. Research has proven that bacteria from periodontal infections can travel through the blood stream and affect other areas of the body, sometimes causing heart and respiratory diseases. Scaling and root planning removes bacteria that causes these conditions.
Another benefit of treatment is protecting against tooth loss. When gum pockets exceed 3mm in depth, the risk for periodontal disease increases. As pockets deepen, more bacteria are able to colonize, eventually causing a chronic inflammatory response by the body to destroy gingival and bone tissue. This leads to tooth loss.
Finally, scaling and root planning may make the mouth more aesthetically pleasing, and should reduce bad breath caused from food particles and bacteria in the oral cavity. Superficial stains on the teeth will be removed during scaling and planning, adding an extra bonus to the procedures.
It is important to note that home plaque control by you is essential in the successful treatment of periodontal disease.