Scaling and Root Planing – Lockport, IL
Deep Cleanings for Healthier Gums
Did you know that gum disease affects nearly half of American adults? Many do not realize they have it. When it’s treated early, while it’s only gingivitis, the mild symptoms can be overcome through healthy oral hygiene and routine dental cleanings. However, during more advanced stages, the infection requires more complex care. To reverse gum disease, our periodontist performs scaling and root planing in Lockport, using this conservative treatment effectively to restore your soft tissues. Contact our office for an appointment today if you have bleeding, swelling, and tenderness in your gums.
Why Choose Grand Dental – Lockport for Scaling and Root Planing?
- Board-Certified Periodontist on Staff
- Customized Care to Meet Patient Needs
- Friday & Saturday Appointments Available Every Other Week
How Do I Know If I Need Scaling and Root Planing?
After a thorough examination, including digital imaging, our board-certified, in-house periodontist will need to determine if a patient requires this treatment, which is often referred to as a deep cleaning. Judging by the severity of the infection, specifically if the disease has progressed from gingivitis to periodontitis, we may recommend this method of treatment.
Common symptoms necessitating scaling and root planing include:
- Gums that have pulled back from the teeth, making them appear larger than before
- Bad breath on a regular basis
- Tender, inflamed, and bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
How Does the Procedure Work?
When we perform scaling and root planing, we start by removing plaque and tartar buildup from around the teeth. We then clear out trapped bacteria within the gum pockets below the gumline. This is the part referred to as scaling. Next, root planing involves smoothing out the rough roots of teeth, which stops bacteria from reinfecting the area and facilitates gum reattachment to teeth.
This treatment is often completed in one or two appointment, but keep in mind that additional visits may be necessary to get the infection under control. In addition, we make sure that our patients are comfortable throughout treatment through the use of local anesthesia and sedation, as needed.
Benefits of Scaling and Root Planing
When scaling and root planing are performed by a trusted periodontist in Lockport, you can expect to enjoy many benefits, including:
- Preservation of your natural teeth and sparing them from extractions or eventual loss
- Conservative treatment for gum disease before causes more significant damage
- Less gum irritation while eating and better oral health
- Stronger overall well-being, as many systemic issues (e.g., heart disease, diabetes) are linked to gum disease