Scaling and Root Planing: Stop Gum Disease Before it Causes Damage
Swollen gums, bleeding, bad breath, and receded gums are signs of gum disease that you shouldn’t ignore. Scaling and root planing in Sacramento, California, is a non-surgical treatment that removes harmful bacteria below the gum line to promote healing. At Sac Dentist, we provide effective gum disease treatment to protect your gum health and overall wellness. Don’t wait until gum disease progresses. Visit Dr. Steven Phan today and stop periodontal disease in its tracks.
How does gum disease develop?
Healthy gums are the foundation of a healthy smile. Unfortunately, gum disease can threaten this foundation, which develops when plaque is left to thrive in the mouth. Dental plaque (oral biofilm) is a sticky film of harmful bacteria, saliva, and food debris. Even though it’s invisible, plaque doesn’t just sit on your teeth. Over time, it multiplies and calcifies into tartar, which inflames your gums, causing early-stage gum disease (gingivitis).
The common symptoms of gingivitis include:
- Red or swollen gums
- Gum tenderness and soreness
- Bleeding, especially when flossing and brushing
- Tooth sensitivity
- Chronic bad breath
Gingivitis can be reversed with good at-home oral hygiene and standard cleanings. If left untreated, it progresses, and bacteria attack your periodontal ligaments, causing your gums to pull away (recede) from your teeth. Gum recession creates deep periodontal pockets that make perfect hiding grounds for harmful bacteria. Over time, advanced gum disease damages the underlying bone, resulting in bone loss and tooth loss.
What can I expect from scaling and root planing (SRP)?
SRP is a non-surgical yet effective treatment for gum disease. Its objective is to remove the unhealthy deposits to promote healing. Here’s what you can expect from this deep teeth cleaning treatment.
- Examination: The dentist will examine your gums to determine the best treatment option. This may involve visual exams, a periodontal probe, and dental X-rays to establish the amount of lost bone.
- Preparation: The dentist numbs your gums with local anesthetics to ensure a comfortable dental experience. Sedation dentistry is also available for anxious patients or those with low pain tolerance.
- Scaling: Dr. Phan uses special tools and skills to remove plaque, tartar, and harmful bacteria from the tooth surfaces and deep pockets.
- Root planing: We smooth the root surfaces to help gums reattach and to prevent future plaque/tartar buildup.
- Aftercare: You might experience mild soreness or sensitivity for a few days. Your Sacramento dentist will recommend pain medication, home remedies, and a special diet to manage discomfort and maximize healing. We’ll also recommend optimal oral hygiene, mouth rinses, and antibiotics to prevent bacterial recolonization.
Depending on the severity of your infection, you may need 1-3 visits. Your dentist will advise on the sessions required to achieve optimal gum health. Once you beat the infection, you must adhere to diligent oral hygiene and dental cleanings every 3-4 months to prevent it from returning.
What are the benefits of scaling and root planing?
Patients don’t realize that deep teeth cleaning helps more than their smile. Here are several benefits of periodontal maintenance in Sacramento, California:
- It’s effective for mild to advanced gum disease
- Protects your teeth from eventual loss
- Ensures lasting fresh breath
- Eliminating unsightly pockets enhances your smile appeal
- Safeguards the oral-systemic health
What is the cost of scaling and root planing?
The cost of scaling and root planing ranges from $103 to $330 per quadrant, depending on the level of gum disease present. Dental insurance may cover up to 90% of the total cost, as this procedure is essential for treating periodontal disease. To make gum care accessible to all patients, we offer CareCredit financing and an in-house membership plan, providing affordable monthly payments and benefits that help you restore and maintain a healthy foundation for your smile.
Where can I find periodontal disease treatment near me?
Early intervention can make all the difference for your periodontal health. Suspect gum disease? Sac Dentist in Sacramento, CA, offers scaling and root planing to eliminate periodontal disease at its source. Call (916) 999-7830 and reserve your visit with Dr. Phan and his team.
