If you’ve been told you need scaling and root planing therapy by your dentist, you may be wondering just how long this treatment takes, and why it was recommended to you.
Gum disease affecting your oral health is not an uncommon condition, but it is one that can cause serious conditions. An infection that begins in the soft tissue around your teeth can lead to more concerning issues for dental health, including bone loss in your jaw.
While the first stage of gum disease, gingivitis, can often be dealt with through dental cleaning and improved dental care at home, if it advances to periodontitis, scaling and root planing is often recommended and necessary to protect your teeth and overall oral health.
What Does Scaling and Root Planing Mean?
Scaling and root planing are non-surgical treatment that cleans out the periodontal pockets that can occur between the teeth and gums. Bacteria, plaque, and tartar can all accumulate in these pockets.
By cleaning out these pockets and smoothing root surfaces, you’ll have a healthier mouth that allows your gums to heal. It is usually recommended when a check-up and X-rays taken at your dentist reveal gum infection and any early-stage bone loss.
Along with a periodontal exam, at Champagne Smiles, we utilize a state-of-the-art technology called the Florida Probe that assists with the early detection of gum disease.
How Do You Know You Need Scaling and Root Planing Treatment?
Along with X-rays and other diagnostic techniques performed by your dentist, you may recognize that you need treatment for gum disease due to:
How Long Scaling and Root Planing Takes
Scaling and root planing typically takes between one and four visits to your dentist, depending on the severity of your condition.
Usually, you’ll find that a quarter of your mouth is treated at each visit, so that your dentist can thoroughly and effectively remove plaque and tartar deposits beneath the gumline and clean out the periodontal pockets. Every treatment protocol for scaling and root planing depends on the patient.
How Do You Know Scaling and Root Planing Works?
After your full mouth has been treated through scaling and root planing, your dentist will schedule a visit to follow up and view the results. Continued periodic periodontal visits may be recommended as routine maintenance, to help prevent any future flare-ups and keep gum disease from any further progression. At Champagne Smiles, we may also prescribe the use of an antibiotic medication that keeps gum disease from progressing.
Are Your Ready to Learn More about Nonsurgical Gum Disease Treatment?
If you’re ready to find out more about scaling and root planing to treat gum disease, we are here to help. If you’re ready to start your journey to better oral health with Dr. Richard Champagne and a truly collaborative and compassionate dental team, contact Champagne Smiles in Morganville, NJ today to schedule your first appointment.
