Periodontal Therapy

What is periodontal therapy?

Periodontal therapy describes treatments that improve or restore optimal gum tissue health. Your gums not only provide support for your teeth, they also serve as a critical barrier between your body and the bacteria that is always present in your mouth. 

A growing body of evidence supports the link between gum health and overall health. Advanced periodontal disease is linked to serious health risks including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and more. 

Periodontal therapy at Smiles in Springfield is the best way to gain control of gum disease and give your body the support it needs to heal.

What is scaling and root planing?

These procedures are often referred to as a “deep cleaning,” and work to treat gum disease and prevent further damage. They’re often the initial steps used to treat periodontal disease. 

Scaling is the process of manually removing plaque and tartar from the area of your teeth that lies below your gumline. When you have advanced gum disease, your gum tissue becomes inflamed and begins to pull away from the surface of your teeth. This allows bacteria to enter and makes it impossible for you to remove plaque and tartar on your own. 

Root planing is a procedure that uses a special dental tool to smooth the rough surface of your tooth roots. This makes it easier for your gum tissue to reattach to the tooth roots and form a protective seal. 

Are scaling and root planing painful?

You receive numbing medication prior to your scaling and root planing procedure. While the procedure itself isn’t painful, a degree of discomfort is likely in the days that follow. 

You might experience swelling, tenderness, or bleeding in your gums for a few days. Anti-inflammatory pain medications available over the counter can address discomfort, and you can also find relief from rinsing your mouth with a saltwater solution.   

You may need to schedule more frequent dental exams for a period of time after a deep cleaning. This allows your dentist to assess how well your gum tissue is healing and determine if additional treatments are needed. Once your gums have healed, you can return to routine dental exams every six months. 

To explore periodontal therapy in greater detail, call Smiles in Springfield today or spend a few moments on the online booking tool to set up a visit.