Scaling And Root Planing In Silver Spring & Germantown, MD
Scaling and root planing is one of the most effective, non-surgical ways to treat gum disease before it becomes severe. At R3 Dental Group, we offer this and other services to patients looking for gum disease treatment. We proudly serve patients living in the Silver Spring, Germantown, Frederick, and Bethesda areas.
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What Is Scaling And Root Planing?
Scaling and root planing clean between the gums and the teeth down to the roots. Scaling is the process of removing dental tartar from the surfaces of the teeth. Root planing is the process of smoothing out the root surfaces and removing any infected tooth structure. If you have gum disease or gum pocketing, the gum pockets around the teeth will have deepened, thereby allowing tartar deposits to form under the gum line. Careful cleaning of the root surfaces to remove plaque and calculus (tartar) from deep periodontal pockets and smoothing the tooth root to remove bacterial toxins will help ensure that your gum disease is controlled.
Oral Infections
- Dental Caries: Oral infection, primarily caused by sugary foods, bacteria, and inadequate oral care, is the leading cause of tooth decay. It can necessitate fillings, crowns, or even tooth extraction in extreme cases.
- Gingivitis: Gingivitis, commonly known as gum disease, affects more people than not. It results from bacterial buildup around the gums, causing bleeding during brushing or flossing. Left untreated, it can progress to periodontal disease.
- Periodontal Disease: When gingivitis reaches the bones, it becomes periodontal disease, the main cause of tooth loss due to inflammation and bone loss.
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Helpful Hints To Keep In Mind
Oral infections, leading to tooth decay and loss, can be prevented with proper dental care. Treatments like scaling and root planing effectively remove disease-causing bacteria.
- Scaling and root planing do not usually cause much discomfort, but you might experience some soreness afterward since deeper regions under the gums have been cleaned.
- Your teeth themselves may become a bit more sensitive to temperature, and bleeding might occur for a little while after your procedure.
- Over-the-counter painkillers, such as ibuprofen, work very well to alleviate discomfort, as do ice packs applied to the outside of the face around the treated area.
- Brushing and flossing will have to be done more gently to avoid aggravating any bruised or tender gum areas. We’ll show you the best methods for keeping your teeth clean during this time.
If you suffer from gum disease or any other oral infection, you may want to consider a scaling and root planing treatment to get your oral health back on track. At R3 Dental Group, we offer this and other cleaning treatments to our patients in the Maryland area. We welcome those from Silver Spring, Germantown, Washington, D.C., and more. contact us today to schedule an appointment.