Scaling & Root Planing – Hoover, AL
Detailed Solutions
to Stop Gum Disease
Scaling and root planing in Hoover, AL is generally the first stage of treatment that we provide patients with gum disease. This thorough cleaning process is non-surgical and works to remove etiologic agents on teeth, including plaque, tartar, and calculus. All of these agents cause gingival inflammation and dental disease. Whether it’s for preventive measures or as a stand-alone treatment, scaling and root planing is the most ideal solution. If you have gingivitis or moderate to severe periodontal disease, scaling and root planing are likely right for you!
Why Choose Moulton Dentistry of Hoover for Scaling & Root Planing?
- Improved Comfort, Precision and Accuracy via Laser Dentistry
- Nitrous Oxide and Oral Conscious Sedation Available
- Improved Local Anesthetic Administration via The Calaject
What Does Scaling and Root Planing Entail?
Before he can perform scaling and root planing, Dr. Moulton needs to complete a detailed examination of your mouth. This means he’ll likely need to capture X-rays to collect as much information as possible. He’ll recommend scaling and root planing if he believes that there is a large amount of tartar present. Depending on the condition of your gums, the depth of your gum pockets and the progression of periodontitis, he may recommend periodontal treatment. He may also recommend local anesthesia during your procedure in some cases.
What is Scaling?
In order to remove calculus and plaque from tooth surfaces, he’ll perform a scaling procedure. During your treatment, he’ll focus on plaque and tartar that sits beneath the gum line and along the root. To complete the scaling process, our dental office uses an ultrasonic scaling tool. This device also provides consistent irrigation during treatment, which applies antimicrobial agents below the gums. These agents promote the healing of gum tissue.
What is Root Planing?
In order to remove cementum and surface dentin that is deep inside unwanted microorganisms, toxins, and tartar, we perform root planing. By smoothing the root of your tooth, we can promote healing and prevent bacteria from easily developing later.
What are Antibiotic Treatments?
With chemical agents or mouth rinses, we can help you control the growth of bacteria that creates toxins and leads to periodontitis. Dr. Moulton may prescribe these antibiotics and irrigation methods to control your infection and accelerate normal healing.
It can become difficult for Dr. Moulton to thoroughly remove plaque and tartar if deep pockets have formed in between the teeth and gums. It’s rare that patients are able to keep these pockets free of plaque, which is why surgery may be needed to restore your periodontal health to the fullest.
How Treatment Can Benefit You
Scaling and root planing treatment can have numerous benefits when successful. Not only can we prevent dental disease, but we can remove bacteria that has been proven to increase the risk of other systemic conditions in the body. Thanks to years of research, we now know that bacteria that cause gum disease can permeate through gum tissue and access the bloodstream. This can lead to heart and respiratory diseases.
Furthermore, treatment helps us reduce your risk for potential tooth loss. The risk for periodontal disease increases when your gum pockets exceed 3mm in depth. Bacteria can easily multiply in deeper pockets, which then leads to a chronic inflammatory response in the body. This causes the body to destroy gingival and bone tissue, causing teeth to lose their foundation and fall out.
Lastly, scaling and root planing can also improve your mouth’s overall appearance. It should also work to reduce your halitosis, a common symptom of gum infection. During your treatment, you can expect Dr. Moulton to remove superficial stains from your tooth enamel, which is a nice added bonus to your scaling and root planing procedure.