Periodontal disease occurs when inflammation and bacterial deposits extend beneath the gumline and begin affecting the tissues and bone supporting the teeth.
When periodontal pockets and subgingival calculus are present, a routine dental cleaning may no longer be sufficient.
Scaling and root planing, sometimes called a deep cleaning, is a nonsurgical periodontal treatment designed to remove bacterial deposits and hardened calculus from below the gumline.
At John E. Sullivan DDS, P.C., periodontal treatment begins with careful evaluation of the gums, including periodontal measurements and appropriate radiographs.
During scaling and root planing, specialized instruments are used to remove calculus and bacterial deposits from the teeth and root surfaces below the gumline. The root surfaces are thoroughly debrided so the surrounding tissues have an opportunity to heal and inflammation can decrease.
Local anesthetic may be used to keep the patient comfortable.
Depending upon the extent of disease, treatment may be divided into multiple appointments.
Following treatment, periodontal tissues are reevaluated. Patients who have experienced periodontal disease often benefit from ongoing periodontal maintenance appointments at shorter intervals than patients receiving routine preventive cleanings.
Periodontal disease is often relatively painless during its early stages. Bleeding gums, persistent inflammation, gum recession, bad breath, loose teeth, or changes in bone levels can therefore be important warning signs.
Our objective is to control the bacterial and inflammatory process while helping patients preserve their natural teeth and supporting bone.