Periodontics

Periodontics

Our professional staff understands the importance of healthy teeth and gums and how essential they are to your overall health. Elegance Dental in Southington, CT offers periodontal treatments for patients who are suffering from gum disease.

What is Scaling and Root Planing?

When tartar and plaque accumulate on your teeth, bacteria can grow and settle around the gums. Scaling and root planing leaves the teeth clean and smooth so that bacteria cannot stick to them. This particular procedure treats symptoms of early gum disease and prevents gingivitis from advancing to periodontitis.

What is the first step?

At Elegance Dental, before a scaling or root planing procedure, the dentist will perform a visual examination of the inside of your mouth followed by a full set of X-rays. The condition of the gums, the amount of tartar present and the complexity of the pockets will determine whether a scaling or root planing treatment will be needed. Scaling and root planing are periodontal procedures that remove plaque and tartar from the root surfaces and deep pockets to eliminate bacteria from the surface of the tooth. While these treatments can be a way to combat bacterial infection in the mouth, they are not meant to treat advanced gum disease.

How is Scaling done?

Scaling is traditionally performed using a hand-held scraping instrument that removes plaque and calculus from below the gum line. At our Southington City office, the doctor uses state-of-the-art scaling tools for a more relaxed and efficient process; however, sometimes the doctor may need to use a combination of ultrasonic and manual tools to completely remove all the plaque and achieve the best results.

How is Root Planing done?

Root Planing is used to sand down the tooth’s surface below the gum line. Any rough spots on the tooth are a high-risk area for bacteria to grow. Root planing works to remove these spots before they cause any serious damage. At the start of your treatment, a local anesthetic is used to numb the gums and the roots of your teeth. Once the anesthetic takes effect, the doctor will remove any plaque, tartar and bacteria from the root surfaces and deep periodontal pockets. The entire procedure is relatively short with little to no discomfort experienced by our patients.

If you think you may have gingivitis or an early stage of periodontal disease, call our office at Elegance Dental at  (860) 965-5995 to schedule an appointment.