Restore Your Gum Health with Advanced Periodontal Care
Are your gums tender, swollen, or bleeding when you brush? These symptoms might indicate the early stages of gum disease. At Glenwood Dental Associates in Smyrna, DE, we offer scaling and root planing – a powerful, non-surgical treatment to combat gum disease and restore your oral health.
Don’t let gum disease progress unchecked. Call our periodontist in Smyrna today at (302) 653-5011 to schedule your comprehensive gum health assessment and learn if scaling and root planing are right for you.
What is Scaling and Root Planing?
Scaling and root planing, often referred to as “deep cleaning,” is a thorough dental procedure designed to treat periodontal disease. This treatment goes beyond a regular dental cleaning to address issues below the gum line, where harmful bacteria can accumulate and cause damage to your gums and teeth.
The procedure consists of two main steps:
- Scaling: This involves removing plaque and tartar (calculus) from the tooth surface and beneath the gum line.
- Root Planing: This step smooths out the tooth roots, removing infected tooth structures and encouraging the gums to reattach to the teeth.
Why Scaling and Root Planing Matters
Gum disease is a progressive condition. It starts with gingivitis, characterized by red, swollen gums that may bleed easily. If left untreated, it can advance to periodontitis, which can lead to bone loss and tooth loss. Scaling and root planing is a critical intervention that can:
- Stop the progression of gum disease
- Reduce inflammation and bleeding
- Eliminate harmful bacteria
- Prevent tooth loss
- Freshen breath
- Improve overall oral health
At Glenwood Dental Associates, we believe in addressing gum disease early to prevent more serious complications. If you’re experiencing signs of gum problems, call our Smyrna office at (302) 653-5011 to schedule an evaluation.
The Scaling and Root Planing Procedure
When you visit our Smyrna office for scaling and root planing, here’s what you can expect:
- Examination: We’ll start with a thorough examination of your gums, measuring the depth of any periodontal pockets and assessing the overall health of your gums.
- Anesthesia: To ensure your comfort, we’ll administer a local anesthetic to numb the area being treated.
- Scaling: Using specialized instruments, we’ll carefully remove plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line.
- Root Planing: We’ll smooth out any rough spots on the tooth roots, eliminating areas where bacteria can hide and promoting gum reattachment.
- Antibiotic Application: In some cases, we may apply a topical antibiotic to the treated areas to help fight infection and promote healing.
- Post-Procedure Care: We’ll provide you with detailed instructions on how to care for your gums following the procedure.
The entire process typically takes one to two hours per quadrant of your mouth. Depending on the extent of your gum disease, we may complete the treatment in one visit or spread it out over multiple appointments.
The Benefits of Scaling and Root Planing
Choosing to undergo scaling and root planing at Glenwood Dental Associates can provide numerous benefits:
Halts Gum Disease: By removing the source of infection, scaling and root planing can stop gum disease in its tracks.- Protects Your Overall Health: Gum disease has been linked to various systemic health issues. Treating it can benefit your overall well-being.
- Enhances Smile Aesthetics: Healthy gums contribute to a more attractive smile.
- Prevents Tooth Loss: By addressing gum disease early, you can avoid the tooth loss often associated with advanced periodontitis.
- Fresher Breath: Eliminating bacteria-filled tartar can significantly improve chronic bad breath.
- Cost-Effective: Treating gum disease early can help you avoid more expensive treatments down the road.
Halts Gum DiseaseDon’t wait for gum disease to progress. Take action now to protect your oral health. Call our Smyrna office at (302) 653-5011 to schedule your scaling and root planing consultation.
After Your Scaling and Root Planing: What to Expect
Following your scaling and root planing procedure, proper care is essential for optimal healing and to maintain the benefits of the treatment. Here’s what you can expect:
- Initial Sensitivity: It’s normal to experience some sensitivity to hot and cold for a few days after the procedure. This should subside within a week.
- Minor Discomfort: You may feel some discomfort in your gums for 24 to 48 hours. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage this.
- Careful Oral Hygiene: We’ll provide specific instructions on brushing and flossing to promote healing without irritating your gums.
- Follow-up Appointments: We’ll schedule a follow-up visit to check your healing progress and perform any necessary touch-ups.
- Maintenance: Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are crucial to maintaining your gum health and preventing the recurrence of gum disease.
Preventing Gum Disease
While scaling and root planing can effectively treat gum disease, prevention is always the best approach. Here are some tips to keep your gums healthy:
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
- Floss at least once a day
- Use an antiseptic mouthwash
- Maintain a healthy diet rich in vitamins C and D
- Quit smoking or using tobacco products
- Stay hydrated to promote saliva production
- Schedule regular dental check-ups and cleanings
At Glenwood Dental Associates, we’re committed to partnering with you for lifelong oral health. We provide personalized advice and support to help you maintain healthy gums between visits.
The Glenwood Dental Associates Difference: Comprehensive Periodontal Care in Smyrna
At Glenwood Dental Associates, we take a proactive, patient-centered approach to gum health. Our comprehensive periodontal care program includes:
- Thorough Assessments: We perform detailed examinations to detect early signs of gum disease.
- Customized Treatment Plans: We create individualized care plans based on your specific needs and risk factors.
- Advanced Technology: We utilize state-of-the-art equipment for precise and comfortable treatments.
- Patient Education: We empower our patients with knowledge about gum health and proper oral care techniques.
- Ongoing Support: We provide regular follow-ups to ensure your gum health stays on track.
Don’t let gum disease threaten your oral health and overall well-being. Take the first step towards healthier gums today by calling our Smyrna office at (302) 653-5011 to schedule your comprehensive periodontal assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most patients experience little to no discomfort during the procedure thanks to local anesthesia. Some sensitivity and mild discomfort may occur for a few days after the treatment, but this can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
The duration of the procedure depends on the extent of your gum disease. Typically, it takes one to two hours per quadrant of your mouth. Your dentist will provide a more accurate estimate after examining your gums.
Many dental insurance plans cover scaling and root planing as it’s considered a medically necessary procedure to treat periodontal disease. However, coverage can vary, so it’s best to check with your insurance provider for specifics. A dental professional can often help communicate with your provider and offer alternate financing solutions.
For most patients, a single course of treatment is sufficient to address active gum disease. However, ongoing maintenance through regular dental cleanings is crucial to prevent recurrence. Your dentist will recommend a personalized follow-up schedule based on your individual needs.
While scaling and root planing can effectively treat gum disease and stop its progression, it’s not a permanent cure. There is no cure for advanced gum disease, or periodontitis, but symptoms can be managed. Maintaining good oral hygiene habits and attending regular dental check-ups are essential to prevent the recurrence of gum disease.
Schedule Your Periodontal Deep Cleaning with Glenwood Dental Associates
At Glenwood Dental Associates, we’re dedicated to helping our patients in Smyrna and the surrounding areas achieve and maintain optimal gum health. Our experienced team uses the latest techniques and technologies to provide comprehensive periodontal care in a comfortable, welcoming environment.
Don’t let gum disease threaten your smile and overall health. Take action today by scheduling an appointment with our Smyrna dental team. Contact us at (302) 653-5011 to begin your journey to healthier gums and a more confident smile.
We proudly serve patients from Smyrna and the surrounding communities of Clayton, Dover, and Middletown. Whether you’re due for a check-up or have concerns about your gum health, we’re here to provide the high-quality dental care you deserve.