Scaling & Root Planing
Scaling and root planing, commonly referred to as a “deep cleaning,” is a non-surgical procedure. Scaling and root planing differs from a standard teeth cleaning as we use special tools and techniques to reach plaque and calculus (tartar) underneath the gum line. It is often the first line of treatment against chronic periodontal disease, and it may be definitive treatment in early stages of the disease.
We may have to numb certain areas to reach the deepest pockets. This procedure is usually divided into two or four appointments (each of approximately one hour). Once completed, we allow approximately 4-6 weeks for the tissues to heal and mature, before evaluating results. At this re-evaluation we determine the need, if any, for further treatment.
Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing, commonly referred to as a “deep cleaning,” is a non-surgical procedure. Scaling and root planing differs from a standard teeth cleaning as we use special tools and techniques to reach plaque and calculus (tartar) underneath the gum line. It is often the first line of treatment against chronic periodontal disease, and it may be definitive treatment in early stages of the disease.
We may have to numb certain areas to reach the deepest pockets. This procedure is usually divided into two or four appointments (each of approximately one hour). Once completed, we allow approximately 4-6 weeks for the tissues to heal and mature, before evaluating results. At this re-evaluation we determine the need, if any, for further treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Osseous, or Periodontal Surgery?
Osseous surgery is a procedure that provides access to clean pockets that are too deep to reach with scaling and root planing, known as a “deep cleaning”. The gum tissue is gently reflected so that the roots of the teeth can be seen. Calculus, or bacteria that has hardened to the root surface, is a brown color under the gum tissue. It attaches to the white root surface and can be visualized and thoroughly cleaned with this procedure. Osseous surgery also gives us access to add a bone graft material to regenerate the lost bone around the teeth.
What is Bone Grafting?
The bone graft that we use is a donor or cadaver bone graft. It is real bone that has been sterilized and processed so that all of the cellular components are removed. There is no immune reaction to the bone graft. We draw blood from the patient prior to beginning the procedure to concentrate the healing cells and growth factors using platelet-rich fibrin (PRF). The patient’s own growth factor concentrate is mixed with the sterilized bone graft particles to make a bone putty. This accelerates the healing and makes the bone graft easy to work with and to shape to the defects around the teeth.
What is a Dental Implant?
An implant is a titanium post that replaces the root of the tooth. Implant dentistry involves teamwork between your restorative dentist and your periodontist. First, the implant is placed in the bone by your periodontist. Once the implant has healed, your general dentist creates a tooth that screws into the implant. An implant provides a fixed (non-removeable) option to restore a missing tooth without compromising the adjacent teeth. It is a single-tooth solution to a single-tooth problem.
What is Crown Lengthening?
When decay or a fracture extends below the gum line, crown lengthening is indicated to allow your restorative dentist access to the lesion. Crown lengthening removes gum and bone tissue to expose additional healthy tooth structure. It makes the tooth longer so that there is more tooth structure to work with and to retain the crown. Without crown lengthening, the crown margin may be located too deep under the gum tissue for proper cement isolation and access to remove all decay. Crown lengthening improves retention of the restoration and keeps the crown from falling off over time. Crown lengthening can also be done for esthetic reasons to lengthen anterior teeth and enhance gingival symmetry.