How Does Scaling and Root Planing Address Gum Disease?
Most people in Houston, TX are committed to keeping their teeth bright and attractive; however, maintaining periodontal health is just as significant to their smile. Your gums (gingiva), as well as the surrounding bone structure, are a crucial part of your oral wellness and help hold your teeth in position. If you don't receive routine dental care, the accumulation of dental plaque and destructive bacteria might lead to a condition known as periodontitis, frequently called gum disease.
At Made Ya Smile, our expert dental experts are pleased to offer nonsurgical scaling and root planing (SRP) therapy to Houston, TX individuals to prevent the advancement of periodontal disease. Read on to find out if you might be a great candidate for scaling and root planing therapy, learn some of the symptoms and signs of gum disease, and discover the ways this treatment may help improve your oral wellness and the appearance of your smile.
COULD SRP BE RIGHT FOR YOUR GUM HEALTH NEEDS?
Scaling and root planing treatment is usually performed for Houston, TX residents who are affected by periodontitis. As the second stage of periodontal disease, periodontitis is distinguished by a breakdown of the gum and bone tissues that surround the teeth. A number of elements might place women and men at a greater risk for periodontal disease, like your genes, use of tobacco products, poor oral hygiene, and a number of medical problems. The latest studies are exploring the potential connection between gum disease and systemic health issues, such as stroke, heart disease, diabetes mellitus, and pregnancy complications, along with further medical conditions.
At your routine dental health visits, a member of our team will assess the health of your gum tissues and measure the depths of your gum pockets. If these pockets are over three millimeters deep and you have also suffered bone loss around your teeth, scaling and root planing may be suggested.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MOST COMMON SYMPTOMS OF PERIODONTITIS?
- Swollen, tender, or red gums
- Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
- Persistent bad breath (halitosis)
- Tooth sensitivity
- Receding gum tissues
- Periodontal pockets that are deeper than three millimeters
- Jawbone loss
HOW IS THE SCALING AND ROOT PLANING PROCESS CARRIED OUT?
Scaling and root planing treatment is the process to remove bacterial plaque and tartar from beneath the gumline and plane (or smooth) the tooth root surfaces to allow for a healthier environment. This noninvasive service is generally offered over the course of one or more visits by an experienced dental hygienist at Made Ya Smile. Though your mouth will be numbed, sedation might be offered to enhance your comfort. Our hygienist will utilize special ultrasonic and handscaling instruments to treat each individual tooth.
KEEP YOUR GUMS HEALTHY FOLLOWING THE SCALING AND ROOT PLANING PROCESS
Once your treatment is complete, it is essential to protect your oral health by scheduling periodontal maintenance visits at Made Ya Smile. Periodontal maintenance procedures with our Houston, TX staff can help you better manage your periodontal condition and accumulation of oral bacteria, as well as reduce the chance of recurring episodes of gum disease. These visits are comprised of comprehensive cleanings below and above the gums, dental exams and radiographs (as needed), and thorough assessments of your gum pockets. Performed every few months, periodontal maintenance visits take the place of bi-annual dental cleanings since these are typically inadequate to maintain healthy gums following a periodontal disease condition.
HALT THE PROGRESSION OF GUM DISEASE WITH PROFESSIONAL DENTAL CARE
Gum disease is a progressive issue that requires professional care to be managed and treated. If you have noticed symptoms of gum (periodontal) disease, we invite you to schedule an appointment with our dentist at Made Ya Smile to learn if scaling and root planing services can optimize your gum health. Contact our office in Houston, TX to come in for a consultation so we can tailor an individualized dental plan to care for your whole mouth. Take the first step toward a happier smile today!