When you visit the dentist for a routine dental appointment, you typically receive a teeth cleaning to remove plaque, especially from your gum line. This cleaning is performed to ward off gum disease, a gum inflammation caused by a buildup of tartar and bacterial plaque. If gum disease occurs, we can perform a deep cleaning called scaling and root planing to prevent the disease from becoming advanced.
When the gums are healthy, they cling to each tooth snugly. If you have a buildup of bacterial plaque around the gums and under the gum line, you may start to develop pockets that result in gum tissue pulling away from the teeth. If not treated, gum disease could cause you to lose bone and teeth.
Scaling and root planing is an initial, non-surgical procedure for the first stages of gum disease. Our team scales away bacteria, plaque and tartar from your tooth enamel and tooth roots using a special tool, and then smooths out patches of the rough surface to make it difficult for harmful substances to accumulate on the gums.
The purpose of scaling and root planing is to help healed gums reattach to the teeth. Following this procedure, the gums can firm up so that there are no pockets and no bleeding. To help your mouth heal faster, our dentist may prescribe medication to prevent infection and arrange for routine dental cleanings to monitor your risk of gum recession and periodontal pockets.
If you are interested in scheduling an appointment with Dr. Nathan Owens to receive scaling and root planing in Pulaski, Tennessee, contact Owens Family & Cosmetic Dentistry at (931) 277-4666 today!