Periodontal Associates of Georgia, PC

Periodontics

Atlanta, GA

404-231-1080 and 404-507-2025

SERVICES

• Treatment Methods
• Prophylaxis (Teeth Cleaning)
• Perioscopic Treatment
• Scaling and Root Planing
• Bite Therapy
• Gum Grafting
• Frenectomy
• Crown Lengthening
• Bone Grafting
  • Overview
  • Socket Preservation
  • Ridge Augmentation
• Osseous Surgery
• Dental Implants
• Guided Bone and Tissue Regeneration
• Sinus Augmentation
• Cosmetic Periodontal Surgery
• Oral Cancer Exam

Scaling & Root Planing

The initial stage of treatment for periodontal disease is usually helping each patient develop a more effective, therapeutic level of removal of the disease causing bacterial film to promote the first stage of healing. This approach purposefully delays the professional cleaning of the teeth to allow each person an opportunity for successful daily management of the bacterial biofilm. The timing of their first thorough cleaning that may include scaling or root planing follows this initial healing so we are able to assess each person's unique susceptibility to periodontitis. The objective of these non-surgical procedures is to remove etiologic agents such as dental plaque and tartar, or calculus, which cause gingival inflammation and disease. Scaling and root planing scheduled after the advantage of initial healing seems to add value to the professional debridement while appearing to make the experience safer and more comfortable.

What do the procedures entail?

Drs. McDevitt, Jacquot, and Izarra will only be prescribe scaling and root planing after a thorough examination of the mouth, which may include taking x-rays and visually examining the mouth. Depending on the condition of the gums, the amount of tartar present, the depth of the pockets, and the progression of periodontitis, Drs. McDevitt, Jacquot, and Izarra may recommend scaling and root planing. In some cases, a local anesthesia may be used during the procedure.

• Scaling:
  When scaling is performed, calculus and plaque that attaches to the tooth surfaces is removed. The process especially targets the area below the gum line, along the root. Scaling is performed with hand instruments and with a special dental tool called an ultrasonic scaling tool. This process usually includes an irrigation process that may be used to deliver an antimicrobial agent below the gums to help reduce oral bacteria.
• Root Planing:
  Root planing is performed in order to remove cementum and surface dentin that is embedded with unwanted microorganisms, toxins and tartar. The root of the tooth is literally smoothed, which promotes healing, and also helps prevent bacteria from easily colonizing in the future.

 

Antibiotics or irrigation with anti-microbials (chemical agents or mouth rinses) may be recommended to help control the growth of bacteria that create toxins and cause periodontitis. In some cases, local delivery antibiotics may be placed in the periodontal pockets after scaling and planing. This may be done to control infection and to encourage healing. The perioscope or microendoscope may be used in deeper pockets to visualize the root surface for scaling and root planing.