Periodontics is a highly specialized area of dentistry that treats the space “around” a tooth, which includes bones, gums, and supporting ligaments. Our periodontal services include scaling and root planing, as well as dental crown lengthening.
Periodontal Disease Symptoms
Common periodontal disease symptoms include:
- Gums that shrink, recede, and make your teeth look longer
- Shifting or loose teeth
- Foul taste or odor in your mouth
- Bleeding, puffy, or red gums
We’ll perform a comprehensive examination. It includes periodontal charting, in which we take measurements then record the pockets or spaces between the gums and teeth. In a healthy set of gums, the spaces measure 1 – 3 mm deep and there isn’t any bleeding. We’ll search for bone loss on the X-rays and note any missing or loose teeth or spaces in which the gums have receded.
Scaling and Root Planing
If your periodontal disease is within the moderate or early stage, we can treat it using non-surgical periodontal therapy. The therapy involves a treatment referred to as scaling and root planing.
Scaling and root planing, also known as deep cleaning, is a procedure involving the removal of dental plaque and calculus (scaling). Scaling is followed by smoothing, or planing, of the surfaces of the roots to help prevent a recurrence. Anesthesia will be used for your comfort.