Gum Treatment in Morton Grove

Periodontal Disease Treatment (Deep Teeth Cleaning)

Gum disease treatmentNon-Surgical Gum Treatment (Before and After)

Anthony, Patient

Google Review  

I had a deep cleaning done today at Pro Care Family Dental. The care I received and the cleanliness of the office along with the expert care of Dr. Danos and his staff is second to none, exceptional, I could not be more satisfied.

What is Scaling and Root Planing?

The initial stage of treatment for Periodontal Disease in Morton Grove is usually a thorough cleaning that may include Scaling or Root Planing (Gum Treatment). The objective of these non-surgical procedures is to remove etiologic agents such as dental plaque and tartar, (calculus), which cause gingival inflammation and disease. Scaling and root planing can be used as a stand-alone treatment, or a preventative measure. They are commonly performed on cases of gingivitis and moderate to severe periodontal disease.

What Do the Procedures Entail?

Our Dentists, Dr. Danos, Dr. Danos, Dr. Ganios, and their  Hygienist, your Morton Grove Dental Professionals, will only perform scaling and root planing after a thorough examination of the mouth, which may include taking x-rays and visually examining the mouth. Depending on the condition of the gums, the amount of tartar present, the depth of the pockets, and the progression of periodontitis, our doctors may recommend scaling and root planing. In some cases, a local anesthesia may be used during the procedure.

An animated illustration showing the process of scaling

Scaling:

When scaling is performed, calculus and plaque that attaches to the tooth surfaces is removed. The process especially targets the area below the gum line, along the root. Scaling is performed with a special dental tool called an ultrasonic scaling tool. The scaling tool usually includes an irrigation process that can be used to deliver an antimicrobial agent below the gums to help reduce oral bacteria.

An animated depiction of a root planing procedure

Root Planing:

Root planing is performed in order to remove cementum and surface dentin that is embedded with unwanted microorganisms, toxins and tartar. The root of the tooth is literally smoothed, which promotes healing, and also helps prevent bacteria from easily colonizing in the future.

Antibiotics (Arestin) or irrigation with anti-microbials (chemical agents or mouth rinses) may be recommended to help control the growth of bacteria that create toxins and cause periodontitis. In some cases, the  Hygienist may place antibiotic fibers in the periodontal pockets after scaling and planing. This may be done to control infection and to encourage normal healing.

When deep pockets between teeth and gums are present, it is difficult for the Hygienist or the Doctors  to thoroughly remove plaque and tartar. Patients can seldom, if ever, keep these pockets clean and free of plaque. Consequently, periodontal surgery may be needed to restore periodontal health.

Benefits of Periodontal DiseaseTreatment.

If Periodontal Disease treatment is successful, scaling and planing may have many periodontal benefits. One is that it can help prevent disease. Research has proven that bacteria from periodontal infections can travel through the blood stream and affect other areas of the body, sometimes causing heart and respiratory diseases. Scaling and root planing remove bacteria that cause these conditions.

Another benefit of Periodontal Disease treatment is protecting teeth against tooth loss. When gum pockets exceed 3mm in depth, the risk for periodontal disease increases. As gum pockets deepen, more bacteria are able to colonize, eventually causing a chronic inflammatory response by the body to destroy gingival and bone tissue. This leads to tooth loss.

Finally, scaling and root planing may make the mouth more aesthetically pleasing, and should reduce bad breath caused from food particles and bacteria in the oral cavity. Superficial stains on the teeth will be removed during scaling and planing, adding an extra bonus to the procedures.

Fluoride Treatment: How is that flossing coming along? You know you should floss daily, but do you? If your oral hygiene is not ideal, fluoride could be just the thing to keep your neglect from leading to cavities between your teeth. Be sure to ask, our hygienist at your next appointment whether you might benefit from a topical fluoride application.

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