Georgetown Periodontics & Implant Dentistry

Scaling and Root Planing

Scaling is the action of removing damaging plaque and calculus on the enamel (outer surface of your teeth). Root planing is taking the process below the gumline to smooth out your teeth’s roots. With the smoothing of the root, the healing is accelerated, and the formation of additional bacteria will be significantly reduced.

Scaling and root planing are frequent and common procedures for periodontal disease. Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is an infection of soft gum tissue due to the bacteria in plaque. If left untreated, the gum disease will progress—causing a variety of issues.

Your compassionate team at Georgetown Periodontics & Implant Dentistry is wholly committed to providing you, your family, and every patient with comprehensive periodontal care that improves your oral health and daily function. We pride ourselves on offering a safe, comfortable, and relaxing environment to ensure all patients receive the personalized care and treatment that is expected and deserved. You will find us to excel in effective communication, both in listening and sharing examination objectives. With our initiative-taking engagement in the dental industry and the constant innovative technological improvements offered, each exam and corresponding treatment is completely personalized. Call Georgetown Periodontics & Implant Dentistry at 502-570-5700 with any questions or to make an appointment for a scaling and root planning evaluation.

If Georgetown Periodontics & Implant Dentistry has diagnosed you with periodontal disease, we will first schedule a professional cleaning followed by scaling and root planing. The plaque and calculus are removed, allowing the gums to heal naturally and the pockets to shrink around the teeth. Periodontal therapy is a variety of surgical and non-surgical techniques designed to treat periodontal disease, which begins as an infection or inflammation of the gums and can progress to jawbone deterioration. Scaling and root planing will be beneficial for you if you are looking for a long-term solution for improving your health and the aesthetic appearance of your smile.

The Types of Gum Disease

Periodontal disease is a progressive issue that gradually increases in severity. Most patients at Georgetown Periodontics & Implant Dentistry develop periodontal disease in the following order:

  • Gingivitis-The first level of periodontitis, gingivitis, develops from bacterial plaque that accumulates on your teeth. Symptoms are sensitive gums that are puffy, red, and bleed easily. This stage can be reversed with proper cleaning and improved at-home care, but if it is not addressed, it will advance into the next stage.
  • Early Periodontitis- Early periodontitis is the result of the continued build-up of plaque. Early periodontitis is like gingivitis, just more severe. The gums become painful and more sensitive, and brushing causes your gums to bleed. Early periodontitis will now require more intensive interventions.
  • Advanced Periodontitis- When bacteria, plaque, and toxins have accumulated such that your gum tissue is being destroyed, you have advanced periodontitis. At this point, small pockets around your teeth will increase, which accelerates the problem, as more bacteria will accumulate. These pockets expand, causing the gums to recede. These recessions can result in bone loss.

Benefits of Scaling & Root Planing

A professional cleaning at Georgetown Periodontics & Implant Dentistry will improve your overall health. Benefits include the following:

  • Prevent Cavities- Plaque that accumulates on your teeth will inevitably destroy the enamel. Plaque is the primary source of decay, and cavities left untreated will increase the risk of needing a tooth extraction. Scheduling a deep cleaning will maintain your good oral health.
  • Prevents Halitosis- If you have gum disease, you can develop bad breath. A benefit of deep cleaning is the elimination of this problem.
  • Prevents Gum Disease- No plaque, no gum disease. Regular cleaning and scaling prevent gum disease from ever developing.
  • Can Reduce Likelihood of a Heart Attack or Stroke- The bacteria from gum disease can enter your bloodstream and increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke. Research has proven that gum disease doubles the risk of a heart attack. You are also at an increased risk of having a stroke.
  • Reduces Risk of Diabetes- A direct correlation exists between gum disease and diabetes. If you have gum disease, you are likely to have issues regulating your glucose levels, which will result in developing diabetes.

Proper Oral Hygiene Will Extend the Longevity of The Scaling and Root Planing

To enjoy the benefits of your scaling and root planing procedure, simply continue to exercise your good oral hygiene habits every day.

  • Brush twice daily- Use proper brushing technique. In addition to brushing for two minutes each time, also brush effectively. The team at Georgetown Periodontics & Implant Dentistry will answer any questions about proper brushing techniques.
  • Floss daily- Make sure you floss at least once a day.
  • Be mindful of your diet- A straightforward way to prevent dental issues from developing is to avoid too much sugar or starch. If you do enjoy soft drinks or sugary beverages, consider using a straw to limit the exposure of sugar to your teeth. It is beneficial to swish your mouth with water after meals. This will dislodge any food remnants.
  • Schedule regular dental exams- Dental issues can develop and create decay. It is essential to be preventative and visit Georgetown Periodontics & Implant Dentistry every six months. These simple regular checkups can be crucial to maintaining your oral health.

Your Smile is Our Number One Priority

Our treatment philosophy at Georgetown Periodontics & Implant Dentistry is focused on patient education and the enhancement of your quality of life. We provide gentle, affordable, and painless periodontal care. We prioritize providing each patient with the information they need to make confident, informed decisions regarding their personal oral health treatment. Our experience is foundational in giving you restoratively minded periodontal treatment customized for your unique needs.

Our team specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease and in the placement of dental implants. We consider ourselves experts in the treatment of oral inflammation. We have received extensive education and training in these areas. We are familiar with the latest techniques for diagnosing and treating periodontal disease, and we are also trained in performing cosmetic periodontal procedures.

You can find Georgetown Periodontics & Implant Dentistry at:

107 Frazier Ct., 1D, Georgetown, KY

Or call us today at 502-570-5700