Scaling and Root Planing in Wyomissing, PA

When periodontitis affects oral health, regular cleaning is generally not adequate enough to stop the infection and save unhealthy gums. The earliest stage of gum disease, or gingivitis, is usually treated with a thorough dental cleaning followed by improved dental care at home. However, periodontitis may require the help of a scaling and root planing (SRP) procedure. Typically performed by our highly trained dental hygienists, SRP is a nonsurgical treatment that helps treat gum infection by removing built-up plaque and tartar from below the gumline. This creates an environment in which the gums can heal against the tooth and minimize the depths of periodontal pockets (spaces between the teeth and gums). If you believe gum disease is impacting your smile, please schedule a visit to Grove Dental Group and Orthodontics in our Wyomissing or Reading, PA, locations.

At your dental examination, our general dentists or hygienists will measure the areas between your gum and teeth with a small ruler-like instrument. In the event that your measurements are more than three millimeters, and your x-rays show evidence of bone loss, then gum infection treatment in Wyomissing, PA, with scaling and root planing therapy may be recommended. SRP can help to reduce the depths of your gum pockets to minimize the spaces in which disease-causing bacteria can hide and cause damage. A number of the early signs of gum disease include gums that are swollen, tender, bleed easily, appear red or receding, and chronic bad breath (halitosis). If gum disease is diagnosed in the periodontitis stages, scaling and root planing treatments may be recommended to treat the condition. However, cases of advanced periodontitis may also require a surgical approach to reestablishing periodontal health.

Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning that is performed in our office within one of our comfortable treatment rooms. In most cases, local anesthesia is used to numb the areas being treated, but we may also suggest sedation dentistry methods if you feel anxious during dental visits. Once you are comfortable, our hygienists will utilize an ultrasonic scaling tool and special scaling instruments to gently remove built-up tartar and plaque below the gumline. The root surfaces of affected teeth will also be planed (smoothed) to inhibit plaque and tartar accumulation and allow the gum tissues to heal. In general, the goal of SRP is to encourage the gums to heal and reattach to the roots, thereby minimizing pocket depths. We may also place locally delivered antibiotics within the periodontal pockets following SRP to help keep bacterial levels down and facilitate the healing response.

Scaling and root planing is generally completed in quarters (or quadrants) of the mouth. Depending on the extent of the condition, scaling and root planing may be administered over the course of 1 – 4 visits with our team. Following your SRP treatment, you may notice minor gum tenderness and tooth sensitivity, which may be relieved with warm salt water rinses and over-the-counter pain relievers. Keeping up with a good at-home care routine of brushing and flossing each day is imperative to the health of your gums. To help you prevent further progression of gum disease and manage your periodontal health, our dentists may recommend periodontal maintenance visits, which include very thorough professional cleanings every 3 – 4 months. These appointments take the place of biannual prophylaxis services and may be an essential component of a gum disease treatment program and healing unhealthy gums.

SRP is a common procedure for the treatment of gum disease that may be covered in part by dental insurance. We will contact your provider to review your individual policy and estimate any potential personal costs. To help make any uncovered portion easier to afford, Grove Dental Group and Orthodontics accepts numerous payment methods, including interest-free financing. Talk with our knowledgeable business team to learn more about flexible solutions for better oral health!

Does scaling and root planing hurt?

Scaling and root planing at our Wyomissing, PA office, is generally performed through a series of visits. This ensures each area of the mouth has time to heal before we begin the next step. We utilize local anesthesia during this appointment, so it shouldn't hurt, but you might feel some slight discomfort and soreness the few days after your appointments.

Is there anything I should not do after scaling teeth?

Since you likely will have anesthesia during your treatment, you should not chew until you have a normal feeling in your mouth. You should refrain from tobacco use and alcohol use while healing. We also suggest brushing your teeth gently after scaling and root planing treatment. In addition to these suggestions, we will likely send you home with some post-treatment care instructions.

What can you eat after scaling and root planning?

After we treat your gum disease, you will want to stick to a soft food diet for a few days. This can include yogurt, mashed potatoes, applesauce, and soup.

Gum disease can have significant effects on your oral and overall health. To protect your smile from the effects of this progressive infection, schedule a visit to Grove Dental Group and Orthodontics. Our team can evaluate your needs and help you determine if scaling and root planing is the right gum disease treatment for you. Contact our Wyomissing or Reading, PA, locations today and take the first step toward better periodontal health.