Restore Your Gum Health and Prevent Tooth Loss
Are you experiencing bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, or even loose teeth? You might be among the many silently battling periodontal disease, also known as gum disease. By the time noticeable symptoms like red, swollen, or easily bleeding gums appear, the disease has already taken hold. This progressive condition is also the leading cause of tooth loss among Canadian adults, but scaling and root planing can help.
Our periodontal specialists in Langley, BC, Dr. Joanie Faucher and Dr. Aleem Manji, are committed to helping you achieve and maintain optimal gum health. We serve patients from Langley and surrounding communities, including Surrey, Aldergrove, and Cloverdale. If you have concerns about your gum health, please call us today at (604) 555-1234 to schedule a consultation.
Meet Your Trusted Periodontal Specialists in Langley, BC
At our Langley periodontal clinic, you are in the hands of highly qualified and compassionate specialists. Our Certified Specialists in Periodontics bring advanced training and extensive experience to every patient. Our commitment extends beyond clinical excellence; we are deeply rooted in the Langley community.
We understand that visiting a dental specialist can be daunting, which is why we prioritize creating a welcoming and comfortable environment. Our team uses the latest techniques and technologies to ensure effective, gentle treatment, focusing on long-term oral health outcomes.
Recognizing the Signs of Periodontal Disease
Understanding the symptoms of gum disease is crucial for early intervention. If you notice any of the following, it’s important to seek professional evaluation at our Langley dental office:
- Bleeding Gums: Healthy gums should never bleed, even with vigorous brushing or flossing. This is often one of the first indicators of gingivitis or early periodontal disease.
- Loose Teeth: This can be a sign of significant bone loss or weakened periodontal fibers, which are the structures that support your teeth in the bone.
- New Spacing Between Teeth: As bone recedes due to gum disease, teeth may shift, creating new gaps.
- Persistent Bad Breath (Halitosis): Often caused by the bacteria accumulating in your mouth due to gum disease.
- Pus Around the Teeth and Gums: A clear sign of an active infection that requires immediate attention.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, don’t hesitate to contact our Langley periodontal clinic at (604) 555-1234 for a thorough assessment.
What is Periodontal Scaling and Root Planing?
The primary goal of periodontal scaling and root planing is to meticulously remove the harmful agents that cause inflammation in your gum tissue and the surrounding bone. These non-surgical procedures are highly effective for individuals suffering from gingivitis (mild gum inflammation) and moderate to severe periodontal disease.
This deep cleaning treatment is a cornerstone of periodontal therapy, designed to halt the progression of gum disease and restore your oral health. It goes beyond a regular dental cleaning, targeting bacteria and calculus both above and below the gum line.
Key Reasons for Periodontal Scaling and Root Planing
Disease Prevention
The harmful oral bacteria responsible for periodontal infections can enter your bloodstream and travel to other parts of the body. Research has established links between periodontal bacteria and serious systemic conditions, including lung infections and heart disease. Scaling and root planing effectively remove these bacteria, stopping the progression of gum disease and significantly reducing the risk of these bacteria impacting your overall health.
Tooth Protection
When gum pockets deepen beyond 3mm, the risk of periodontal disease significantly increases. These deeper pockets become ideal breeding grounds for dangerous colonies of bacteria. Over time, the body’s chronic inflammatory response begins to destroy the vital gingival (gum) and bone tissue, which can ultimately lead to tooth loss. Periodontal disease remains the number one cause of tooth loss globally, making this treatment vital for preserving your natural teeth.
Aesthetic Enhancement
Beyond health benefits, scaling and root planing effectively remove stubborn tartar and plaque from your teeth, both above and below the gum line. As an added benefit, any superficial stains present on your teeth will also be removed during the scaling process, contributing to a brighter, healthier-looking smile.
Improved Breath (Halitosis Relief)
One of the most common and often embarrassing signs of periodontal disease is persistent bad breath, or halitosis. This unpleasant odor is caused by the accumulation of food particles and bacteria in the oral cavity. Deep cleaning procedures like scaling and root planing significantly alleviate this issue by thoroughly cleansing the mouth and reducing bacterial load, leading to fresher breath.
What to Expect During Scaling and Root Planing Treatments
Depending on the current condition of your gums, the amount of calculus present, the depth of your gum pockets, and the overall progression of periodontitis, a local anesthetic may be used to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure. Our team will discuss all options with you.
Scaling
This initial procedure is typically performed using specialized dental instruments, which may include an ultrasonic scaling tool. The scaling tool meticulously removes calculus and plaque from the surface of the tooth crown and the root surfaces. In many cases, the ultrasonic scaling tool also incorporates an irrigation process that can deliver an antimicrobial agent below the gums, further helping to reduce harmful oral bacteria.
Root Planing
Following scaling, root planing is a specific treatment focused on removing cementum and surface dentin that has become embedded with unwanted microorganisms, toxins, and tartar. The root surface of the tooth is carefully smoothed to promote optimal healing and reattachment of the gum tissue. Having clean, smooth root surfaces makes it significantly harder for bacteria to easily colonize in the future, helping to prevent recurrence of gum disease.
Frequently Asked Questions
A regular dental cleaning, often called prophylaxis, focuses on removing plaque and tartar from above the gum line. It’s primarily a preventative measure for healthy gums. Scaling and root planing, however, is a deeper cleaning procedure specifically designed to treat gum disease by removing plaque, tartar, and bacteria from both above and below the gum line, and smoothing the tooth roots.
While the thought of a deep cleaning might sound uncomfortable, we prioritize your comfort. Local anesthetic is typically used to numb the treatment area, ensuring you feel minimal to no pain during the procedure itself. You might experience some mild sensitivity or soreness for a few days afterward, which can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
The duration of scaling and root planing can vary depending on the severity of your gum disease and the number of teeth requiring treatment. It may be completed in one longer appointment or divided into two or more shorter appointments, treating different sections of your mouth. Our team will discuss the estimated time frame during your initial consultation.
After the procedure, it’s common to experience some gum sensitivity, mild bleeding, or soreness for a few days. Your gums may also appear slightly swollen or red initially. We will provide specific aftercare instructions, which may include using an antimicrobial mouthwash or avoiding certain foods.
Protect the Foundation of Your Smile with Our Local Gum Health Professionals
If you have any concerns or questions about periodontal scaling and root planing, or about periodontal disease in general, please do not hesitate to askour team at our Langley dental office. We are here to help you achieve a healthy, confident smile. Call us at (604) 555-1234 to book your consultation