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When it comes to oral health, it is important to have strong, functional teeth that are free of decay and damage. Equally important is a strong and healthy foundation for those teeth. Because the health of the teeth and gums affect one another, it is difficult to have healthy teeth without healthy gums, and vice versa. If the teeth or gums have been affected by injury, decay, or infection, Dr. Todd Holton offers a wide range of restorative dentistry services, in order to restore the overall health of the teeth and gums. For gum disease, one of the most successful treatments for our Phoenix patients is scaling and root planing. This procedure can be effective in treating gum disease so that patients can avoid the need for a more costly and invasive surgical procedure.

What Is Scaling and Root Planing?

Scaling and root planing is an effective treatment for stopping the progression of gum disease and restoring the health of the gums. This is a non-surgical procedure that can treat moderate to advanced stages of gum disease, often saving patients the need for oral surgery. Essentially, scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning of the space between the teeth and the gums. Using hand instruments or an ultrasonic tool, Dr. Holton's highly trained dental hygienists can clean the tooth beneath the gums line, all the way down to the roots of the tooth. This removes bacteria, plaque, and tartar, which are all harmful to the health of the teeth and gums. The roots are also smoothed out, making it more difficult for bacteria and debris to adhere to the tooth roots.

What Are the Side Effects of Treatment?

In order to control patient comfort throughout treatment, a local anesthetic is likely to be used. As a result, patients may experience some numbness for a short time after treatment is complete. Other than this, patients rarely report any side effects of scaling and root planing. Some patients may experience mild discomfort or swelling, but this should subside within a day or two.

How Effective Is Treatment?

Scaling and root planing is a very effective treatment. This will rid the mouth of harmful bacteria, stop the progression of gum disease, and restore the firm, pink appearance that we desire for the gums. However, follow-up care is extremely important to the long-term success of scaling and root planing. Patients will need to be very vigilant in their oral care habits. It is important to brush at least twice a day, floss daily, use a water irrigator daily and maintain a regular schedule of dental cleanings every three months. 

Schedule a Consultation

The health of the gums is extremely important in creating a healthy and beautiful smile. If you believe that the health of your gums has been compromised, schedule a consultation to discuss your oral health concerns. Dr. Holton is happy to answer any questions you may have and create a treatment plan that will get you back a pristine smile.