Advanced / Scaling & Root Planing
Scaling & Root Planing
Scaling & Root Planing at Ashley Mooney, DDS in Batavia, NY
Maintaining healthy gums is essential to your overall oral health, and scaling and root planing is a highly effective treatment for gum disease. At Ashley Mooney, DDS in Batavia, NY, we offer this non-surgical deep cleaning procedure to treat periodontal disease and prevent further damage to your gums and teeth. Our goal is to restore your gum health and protect your smile for the long term.
What is Scaling & Root Planing?
Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning procedure designed to treat gum disease (periodontitis) by removing plaque, tartar, and bacteria from below the gumline. This two-part treatment helps to eliminate infection, reduce inflammation, and promote healing in the gums.
- Scaling: Scaling involves removing built-up plaque and tartar from the tooth surfaces, especially below the gumline, where regular brushing and flossing can’t reach.
- Root Planing: After scaling, root planing smooths the root surfaces of the teeth, making it more difficult for plaque and bacteria to reattach, and promoting reattachment of the gums to the teeth.
When is Scaling & Root Planing Needed?
Scaling and root planing is typically recommended for patients with periodontal disease. Gum disease occurs when plaque and tartar build up on the teeth and irritate the gums, leading to inflammation, bleeding, and gum recession. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to bone loss and, eventually, tooth loss. Symptoms that may indicate you need scaling and root planing include:
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Persistent bad breath (halitosis)
- Gum recession (gums pulling away from the teeth)
- Loose teeth or shifting of your teeth
- Discomfort when chewing
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, Dr. Mooney will evaluate your gum health and determine if scaling and root planing is the right treatment for you.
The Scaling & Root Planing Process
What is Scaling & Root Planing?
Scaling and root planing at Ashley Mooney, DDS is a straightforward procedure that typically requires one or more visits depending on the extent of gum disease. Here’s what to expect:
- Consultation and Diagnosis: Dr. Mooney will begin by assessing your gum health, measuring the depth of periodontal pockets (the spaces between your gums and teeth) to determine the severity of the disease.
- Anesthesia: Local anesthesia may be used to numb the affected areas, ensuring your comfort throughout the procedure.
- Scaling: Using specialized instruments, plaque and tartar will be carefully removed from the tooth surfaces, focusing on areas below the gumline and in periodontal pockets.
- Root Planing: The root surfaces of the teeth are smoothed to prevent bacteria from reattaching and to encourage the gums to heal and reattach to the teeth.
- Aftercare and Follow-Up: After the procedure, we’ll provide instructions for proper aftercare, including good oral hygiene practices and any necessary medications. A follow-up visit may be scheduled to monitor your progress and assess the healing of your gums.
Benefits of Scaling & Root Planing
- Prevents Tooth Loss: Scaling and root planing can help prevent the progression of gum disease, reducing the risk of tooth loss due to bone and gum tissue destruction.
- Reduces Gum Inflammation: By removing the source of infection, this treatment helps reduce inflammation and promotes healthier gums.
- Improves Oral Health: Scaling and root planing eliminates harmful bacteria and plaque buildup, protecting both your gums and teeth.
- Fresher Breath: By reducing the bacterial load in your mouth, scaling and root planing can help improve chronic bad breath.
- Non-Surgical Solution: This procedure is a non-invasive, non-surgical treatment that can effectively manage early to moderate periodontal disease.
- Scaling: Scaling involves removing built-up plaque and tartar from the tooth surfaces, especially below the gumline, where regular brushing and flossing can’t reach.
- Root Planing: After scaling, root planing smooths the root surfaces of the teeth, making it more difficult for plaque and bacteria to reattach, and promoting reattachment of the gums to the teeth.
Why Choose Ashley Mooney, DDS for Scaling & Root Planing?
At Ashley Mooney, DDS, we are committed to providing personalized, high-quality care for every patient. Dr. Mooney and her team use advanced techniques and tools to perform scaling and root planing with precision and care. Our goal is to restore your gum health, prevent further damage, and help you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile.
If you want to learn more about our Advanced Dentistry services, schedule an appointment or give us a call at (585) 343-8675!
We can’t wait to meet you.