Gum disease, also called periodontitis, can be painful for many individuals. Also, learning about a medical issue may feel stressful or overwhelming. You may also worry whether there are any treatments with a high likelihood of effectiveness. But if your dentist has diagnosed you with gum disease, they have more than likely recommended you seek treatment through scaling and root planing. How do you know if this is the correct treatment for you?
If you have been diagnosed with gum disease, our team of surgeons and dental specialists may be able to help. Union City Oral Surgery Group has extensive experience in many oral surgeries and procedures, including scaling and root planing. Our team also prides itself on prioritizing its patients’ health, safety, and overall well-being, so you can trust you’re in the right hands when you work with us.
What Happens During Scaling and Root Planing Procedures?
Scaling is essentially an intense cleaning process, which is necessary to treat gum disease properly. Gum disease generally occurs due to an extensive build-up of plaque or tartar, which then needs to be removed in order to help lessen symptoms and treat the disease. This may expose some areas where the gums have detached from your teeth.
Following scaling, your oral surgeon or dentist will then begin the root planing process. During root planing, the roots of your teeth will be smoothed, allowing your gums to reattach and heal correctly after proper cleaning. Depending on the extent of the build-up, there are some cases where multiple visits to the dentist are necessary.
Why Is Your Dentist Recommending Scaling and Root Planing?
If your dentist recommends scaling and root planing to treat your gum disease, this is standard practice. Scaling and root planing are necessary first steps to begin proper treatment, and other essential procedures may not begin until after this is completed. For some individuals, scaling and root planing may begin and end the procedural processes needed to treat periodontitis. In short, scaling and root planing are essential to treat gum disease properly.
Are There Risks to Scaling and Root Planing?
There are only minor risks to this procedure, but your dentist or oral surgeon will give you advice and care tips in order to avoid damage. During the procedure, bacteria may get into your bloodstream. Your care provider will likely prescribe a wash or antibiotics to prevent any issues. These will also aid and speed up the healing process following the procedures.
What Are the Potential Next Steps?
In some cases, surgical procedures may be necessary to treat cases of gum disease. If your dentist or oral surgeon believes scaling and root planing are not sufficient, they may recommend one or more of the following surgical procedures:
- Soft tissue grafting
- Guided tissue regeneration
- Flap surgery or pocket reduction surgery
- Bone grafting
- Application of tissue-stimulating proteins
- Implants, bridges, or crowns, following grafting
If you are concerned about surgical procedures, we strongly recommend speaking with a dentist or oral surgeon for more information. Your dentist can indicate whether surgical procedures will likely be necessary, which methods are the least invasive or most appropriate, or otherwise work with you to find another solution.
Treat Gum Disease With Help From Union City Oral Surgery Group
If your dentist has diagnosed you with gum disease, scaling and root planing will likely be essential first steps during your road to recovery. To work with trusted oral surgeons with extensive experience, feel free to contact our team at Union City Oral Surgery Group. In some circumstances, surgical procedures may be used to treat gum disease. Our team has access to the necessary resources and tools to help you fight gum disease and heal quickly.
If you want to discuss your needs, receive clarification for any questions or concerns, or want to get helpful information from our team before your procedures, please get in touch with us. You can reach out to us by calling (201) 601-9262 or by completing our contact form, whichever is easiest for you. We look forward to hearing from you.
