Scaling and Root Planing
Dr. Juriansz treats periodontal gum disease in Brookline with scaling and root planing, often called a deep cleaning. Scaling and root planing in additional to regular professional cleanings and good dental home care, is the most effective way to prevent periodontal disease before it becomes more serious.
What is Periodontal Disease?
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a swelling and infection of the gums around your teeth. It is caused by the bacteria in plaque, a sticky film that forms on your teeth. This harmful bacteria infects your gums and forms pockets or gaps around your teeth by damaging the supportive structure (periodontal ligament and bone). If you do not remove plaque by brushing and flossing your teeth, it can build up and infect your gums, teeth, and the bones that support them. If this problem is not treated, there is the possibility you could lose your teeth. That’s why regular dental check-ups and cleanings are important to monitor the health of your gums and teeth.
Periodontal disease is actually more common than people realize; 3 out of 4 American adults have periodontal disease.
How is Periodontal Disease Diagnosed and Treated?
If you start to develop pockets and your gums are bleeding and swollen, you are likely a candidate for scaling and root planing. Dr. Juriansz and his hygienists will check your gums if you schedule an appointment for a periodontal exam. We use an instrument called a probe, which is much like a tiny ruler. A pocket 4 or more millimeters in size may indicate a periodontal infection especially in the presence of bleeding and calculus. The deeper the pockets, the more advanced the disease.
When you come in to our Brookline dentist office for a scaling and root planing we do a special cleaning to remove the plaque, calculus, bacteria and rough surfaces under the gums. Generally, we recommend patients to come more often for regular cleanings following a scaling and root planing.
