Initial Periodontal Therapy in Montclair, NJ
Periodontal disease—also known as gum disease—affects millions of people. It can lead to serious oral health problems if left untreated. The first step in treating it is a deep cleaning process that includes scaling and root planing. These procedures remove the plaque, tartar, and bacteria contributing to gum inflammation and infection.
They are effective as a stand-alone treatment and preventive measure, particularly for patients with gingivitis or moderate to severe periodontal disease.
What Is Periodontal Therapy?
Periodontal therapy is a specialized treatment designed to stop gum disease from progressing and to promote healthy gums. Plaque buildup triggers gum disease, causing inflammation and bleeding. Over time, it damages the bone that supports your teeth. This disease can result in tooth loss and other health complications.
Edgemont Dental’s periodontal therapy focuses on removing bacteria and restoring gum health. This helps reduce bacterial buildup and prevent further damage to the gums and bone structure.
What Do the Procedures Entail?
Before we begin any treatment, we thoroughly examine your gums and teeth. This may include taking X-rays to assess the extent of the infection and checking the depth of periodontal pockets.
Based on these findings, Dr. Davidson will determine if scaling and root planing are necessary. In some cases, we may use a local anesthetic to keep you comfortable during the procedure.
Scaling
Scaling removes plaque and tartar from the surface of the teeth, particularly below the gumline. This process focuses on cleaning the roots of the teeth where bacteria tend to accumulate. We use specialized tools to break up hardened deposits gently. One such tool is our ultrasonic scaler. This tool also irrigates the gums, flushing out bacteria and delivering antimicrobial agents to reduce infection.
Root Planing
Root planing goes a step further by smoothing out the root surfaces. This is to remove toxins, bacteria, and rough spots where plaque can build up again. Planing helps the gums reattach to the teeth by reducing the pocket depth and preventing bacteria from causing further damage. It also promotes long-term gum health by making it harder for bacteria to settle on the tooth roots.
Benefits Of Periodontal Treatment
Treating gum disease early can protect both your oral health and overall well-being. Here are some key benefits of scaling and root planing:
- Stops Disease Progression: Removing bacteria and infection from the gums prevents the disease from spreading further.
- Lowers Risk of Other Health Issues: Research has linked periodontal disease to serious conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections. Keeping your gums healthy may support better overall health.
- Prevents Tooth Loss: Gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss. When gum pockets exceed 3mm in depth, the risk of losing teeth increases. Deep cleaning helps prevent this damage by stopping the infection from advancing.
- Eliminates Bad Breath: Bacteria trapped beneath the gums can cause persistent bad breath. Scaling and root planing remove the source of odor, leaving your mouth fresher.
- Enhances Smile Appearance: Removing plaque and tartar buildup can brighten your smile by eliminating surface stains.
Long-Term Gum Health Starts Here
At Edgemont Dental, we help our patients maintain strong, healthy gums through advanced periodontal therapy. Our practice offers a full range of preventative care, restorative dentistry, and cosmetic dental treatments to support your oral health at every stage. If you’re experiencing symptoms like bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, or gum recession, now is the time to take action.
Gum disease doesn’t have to take control of your oral health. Schedule an appointment today. Let us help you restore your gums for a healthier, brighter smile.
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