Perio Cleaning for Gingivitis and Gum Disease
Periodontal cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing, is a more involved form of routine dental cleaning. It’s a preventive measure designed to remove excess plaque and tartar buildup, which houses hundreds of types of oral bacteria. However, the procedure focuses on cleaning the roots of your teeth underneath your gums, rather than the visible crowns that rest above them. If your exam reveals signs of gingivitis, the earliest form of gum disease, we might suggest scaling and root planing to remove the bacteria causing it and allow your gum tissues to heal.
What is scaling and root planing?
Scaling and root planing describes carefully cleaning the surfaces of your teeth roots (scaling), then smoothing their surfaces (planing) to make it more difficult for bacteria to cling to them again. This requires carefully exposing the roots of your teeth by sectioning an area of your gums, and the entire procedure may take several visits to complete. Afterward, your gum tissues will be able to heal and reattach your teeth without the obstruction of harmful bacteria standing in their way. If you treat gingivitis early enough with scaling and root planing, you may have a chance at reversing the condition before it can progress into more serious gum disease.
When do you need deep cleaning?
Periodontal cleaning may be similar to dental cleaning in many respects, but unlike regular checkups and cleanings, not everyone needs scaling and root planing. During your routine exam, we’ll carefully check your gum tissues for signs of gingivitis, including redness and swelling in your gum tissues, or the recession of your gums from your teeth roots. If necessary, we can recommend scaling and root planing to remove the threat and reverse the infection in your gums, or control it so that your gum disease doesn’t cause severe damage to your gums, jawbone structure, and more.
Call us to learn if you need periodontal cleaning
If you show signs of gingivitis – early gum disease – then scaling and root planing may help you avoid the more serious consequences of it. To schedule a consultation with us, call Dreem Dentistry in Leawood, KS, today at 913-681-5500. We also serve patients who live in Overland Park, South KC, South OP, Martin City, MO, and all surrounding communities.
