Scaling and Root Planing for Gum Disease

The three stages of gum disease – from least to most severe – are gingivitis, periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis. Gum disease is an inflammation of the gum tissue that could affect the teeth and supporting bone in your mouth. If you think the metal scaling tool we use on you during a professional cleaning is scary, Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS doubts you want to get to the point where you’ll need scaling and root planing.

Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS will start the procedure with a thorough examination of your mouth. Next, an ultrasonic scaling device will be used to eliminate the plaque bacteria with sonic vibrations. Root planing involves detailed scaling of the root surface to decrease inflammation of the gum tissue. If your gum tissue is sensitive and diseased, local anesthesia will be administered to numb the tissue. Dental scaling and root planing may take two to four visits based upon the level of oral disease in the mouth.

If you have questions or concerns regarding periodontal disease or scaling and root planing, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at our practice, visit www.eniddentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS in Enid, OK, call 580-237-2213. 

Scaling and Planing to Fight Gum Disease

Gum disease needs to be taken control of before it becomes severe. It is for this reason that Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS of Enid, OK provides scaling and root planing to his patients with gum disease.

Scaling and planing is the process of cleaning the teeth between the gums, down to the root, and smoothing out rough spots on the root. Rough spots on the root can trap and harbor bacteria, making it difficult to clear up gum disease. When hardened plaque causes the gums to recede, bacteria can reach the gum pockets, deep down to the tooth’s root. In order to clear up the gum disease, the teeth need to be scraped clean.

A local anesthetic may be used to numb the gums and the tooth roots. A scraping tool is used to remove plaque and tartar. The tooth’s rough spots are then smoothed out. Scaling and planing can take a few appointments, as the mouth is usually worked on in sections. After the process is complete, a regular oral heal routine of brushing twice daily and flossing once daily will be recommended to continue on the way to healthy gums.

If you have red, irritated, or bleeding gums, do not hesitate to come in our Enid, OK dental practice to see skilled and extensively experienced, Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS. To schedule, call (580) 237-2213 or visit our website, www.eniddentalcare.com.