At Fort Bend Dental, your oral health is our priority. We are focused on providing exceptional preventive care at our offices in Missouri City, Richmond, Rosenberg, Aliana and Sugar Land TX. Our doctors will provide appropriate periodontal care at the first indications of periodontal disease. Patients suffering from mild to moderate gum disease often benefit from scaling and root planing. During this non-invasive treatment, we can remove bacteria from deep below the gum line and smooth the tooth roots to prevent further bacteria from accumulating. This procedure involves minimal discomfort and virtually no recovery time.
Cleaning teeth below the gumline can resolve periodontal disease.
Candidates for a Deep Cleaning
One of our doctors will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine whether scaling and root planing is the most appropriate solution. In milder cases, a regular professional cleaning may be sufficient. On the other hand, if you have particularly deep pockets around your tooth roots, you may require a tissue graft. Early symptoms of gum disease include:
- Bleeding while brushing or flossing
- Redness and mild inflammation
- Dental sensitivity
- Bad breath
A visual exam, as well as x-rays, can help your doctor determine the severity of gum disease. Your dentist will also measure the depth of the periodontal pockets. Deep pockets may require scaling and root planing.
The Deep Cleaning Procedure
The first step of a deep cleaning is the application of local anesthesia. The treatment is conservative, and with an effective anesthetic, no sedation is typically required. We offer nitrous oxide sedation to help anxious patients relax, when necessary.
Scaling and root planing, also known as a deep cleaning, involves minimal discomfort and virtually no recovery time.
Once you are comfortable, we will thoroughly remove harmful bacteria from deep within the periodontal pockets. Next, we will carefully smooth, or plane, the tooth roots. This step is designed to eliminate tiny crevices that can trap bacteria and lead to recurring gum disease. A topical antibiotic can also be an effective addition to a deep cleaning.
Unchecked periodontal disease can seriously compromise the health of your teeth.
Aftercare and Recovery
Scaling and planing require no recovery time, although you may experience some moderate discomfort after treatment. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatories and anti-sensitivity toothpaste should be sufficient to manage these effects. Some minor bleeding and swelling are also common.
For this reason, we often recommend a soft diet for a few days after a deep cleaning. It is also wise to avoid spicy and crunchy foods, as these can irritate the sensitive gum tissue. While careful brushing around the treatment site is required, you should not have any limitations on your activities. In fact, most patients can return to work directly from their appointment.
The Vital Importance of Periodontal Treatment
Timely gum disease treatment and ongoing maintenance are important for both your dental and overall health. Periodontitis spreads rapidly, so without medical attention, tooth loss is a very real concern. In severe cases, you could suffer from jawbone recession or even a life-threatening bone infection. Those with gum disease also face a higher risk for complications during pregnancy, heart attack, stroke, and diabetes.
For all of these reasons, it is critical that you attend regular dental check-ups and seek treatment as soon as you notice any signs of gum disease. Scaling and root planing can have lifelong benefits for your health, smile, and overall well-being.
Protect Your Oral Health
If you are experiencing symptoms of gum disease or have not received a professional cleaning recently, contact us online or call our office nearest you. Our doctors can help you restore your oral health.
