A HEALTHY MOUTH NEEDS HEALTHY GUMS
Although a lot of people in Niles, OH worry about their teeth, but they aren’t spending enough time on gum health. The soft tissue holding your teeth in place needs to get more of your attention because if you ignore them, you do so at your own peril. Without proper care, your gums can become infected and inflamed, which will eventually impact the health and appearance of your smile. Our team at DentalWorks – Eastwood Niles has created a short guide on scaling and root planing, a treatment that helps Niles, OH patients with periodontal disease.
IDEAL CANDIDATES FOR SRP?
Occasionally known as a deep cleaning, scaling and root planing is usually performed on Niles, OH patients after they are diagnosed with gingivitis. The first stage of periodontal (gum) disease, gingivitis is an inflammation of the gum tissue caused by a buildup under the gumline. People at higher risk for gingivitis include those who use tobacco and those who do not have good oral hygiene (especially those who don’t floss regularly). A family history of gum disease could also put you at higher risk. Pregnant women also need to be vigilant in their oral health to avoid what’s commonly known as pregnancy gum disease. During your annual oral health examination, your dentist will check the condition of your gums and measure your gum pockets. If you are diagnosed with gingivitis, your dentist will most likely recommend a scaling and root planing procedure (also known as SRP therapy).
To help both your oral and overall health, it’s smart to deal with gum disease at the first signs with SRP therapy. Without treatment, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, the advanced stage of gum disease. Dentists typically treat advanced gum disease with periodontal surgery (also known as flap or pocket reduction surgery) and can also require gum and bone graft surgery to restore your oral health. Current research is investigating the possible link between advanced gum disease and other acute conditions, including diabetes and heart disease.
SIGNS OF GINGIVITIS
WHAT IS SCALING?
Some dentists use an ultrasonic scaler to loosen buildup with vibrations before switching to a manual scaler. Your team of dental professionals will continue this process to scale the gum pockets in the front and back of each tooth.
WHAT IS ROOT PLANING?
These pitted areas make it easy for debris to get caught, so root planing minimizes the chance of future buildup. During root planing, your dentist will use a unique tool to reach as deep as possible below your gumline without making any incisions.
SEDATION OPTIONS WITH YOUR SRP TREATMENT
Since an SRP therapy addresses areas below your gumline, your dentist will apply a local anesthetic to numb your gums. This should help keep you from feeling any pain during the treatment]. For patients with dental fears, DentalWorks – Eastwood Niles also offers sedation dentistry options. This could include nitrous oxide gas (more commonly known as laughing gas) or oral-conscious medication to keep you calm but still awake during your SRP therapy. If you are interested in sedation dentistry, a consultation with your dentist will be needed before your SRP appointment to ascertain if you can safely receive sedation.
AFTER YOUR PROCEDURE
If SRP treatments are not enough, your dentist may recommend surgery.
STOP GUM DISEASE EARLY WITH SRP THERAPY
When you have symptoms of gum (periodontal) disease, schedule an appointment with your dentist in Niles, OH. When diagnosed early and treated quickly with a scaling and root planing procedure, gingivitis may be stopped. The team at DentalWorks – Eastwood Niles employs state-of-the-art equipment to perform SRP therapy efficiently for restored gum health. Get in touch with our practice in Niles, OH to schedule an oral health examination and consultation so we can develop a personalized oral health restoration treatment plan that might include SRP therapy.
