The objective of scaling and root planing is to remove etiologic agents that can cause inflammation of the gingival tissue and surrounding jawbone. Common etiologic agents removed by this preventative gum therapy include plaque and calculus. Doctors Network has simplified the process of searching for a periodontist near you that accepts your insurance.
These periodontal procedures which thoroughly cleanse the periodontium, work very miraculously for patients experiencing mild gum inflammation and/or moderate to severe periodontal disease.
Why consider deep cleaningDeep cleaning can be used both as a preventative measure and as a stand-alone service. Deep cleaning is performed as a preventative measure for patients suffering from periodontitis.
These are a few reasons why scaling and root planings may be required:
- Aesthetic effects
Scaling and root planing helps remove tartar or calculus from tooth roots and below the gumline. As an added bonus, if superficial stains are on the teeth, they will be cleaned when getting the scaling and root planing procedure. - Tooth protection
When periodontal pockets exceed 3mm in depth, there is a greater risk of periodontal disease. As pockets deepen, they house more colonies of dangerous bacteria. Eventually, a chronic inflammatory response by the body begins to destroy jawbone and gum tissue which could lead to tooth loss. Periodontitis is the main etiology of tooth loss in the world. - Disease prevention
The anaerobic oral bacteria that cause periodontitis can travel through the bloodstream to other parts of the body. Research supports that heart disease and lung infections have been linked to harmful periodontal bacteria. Deep cleaning removes these bacteria and stops periodontitis from progressing, thus preventing the infectious bacteria from spreading to other parts of the body. - Better breath
One of the most detectable symptoms of periodontal disease is halitosis or bad breath. Bacteria and food particles can cause a foul odor in the oral cavity which is alleviated with treatments such as deep cleaning.
To find out if deep cleaning is a good option for you, visit Doctors Network. You can find experienced periodontists and dentists near you in Brooklyn, NY.
Based on the current condition of the gingival, the extent of tartar present, the gingival pocket depths, and the degree of the periodontal disease, local anesthesia may be administered.
ScalingThis treatment is usually performed using special dental instruments and can include an ultrasonic scaling device. The scaling tool removes tartar and plaque from the enamel surfaces and root surfaces. Most of the time, the scaling device includes an irrigation process that can be used to deliver an antimicrobial agent below the gums to reduce oral bacteria.
Root PlaningThis procedure is a specific treatment that serves to remove the cementum and surface dentin that is embedded with unwanted microorganisms, toxins, and tartar. The root surface of the tooth is literally smoothed in order to promote healing. Having clean, smooth root surfaces prevents microorganisms from colonizing in the future.
Following these deep cleaning procedures, the periodontal pockets may be treated with antibiotics. This will alleviate inflammation and irritation and help the gums to heal faster.
During the next visit, the Brooklyn dentist or hygienist will thoroughly examine the gums again to see how well they have healed. If the pockets still measure more than 3mm in depth, additional treatments may be suggested.
If you have any questions about deep cleaning in Crown Heights, Brooklyn Heights, Fort Greene, Park Slope, Clinton Hill, or any other parts of Brooklyn, please ask Dr. Pooria Shahin DDS, your dentist at 1st Impression Dental.
