Scaling & Root Planing

Pacific Periodontics & Dental Implant Centre – Monterey & salinas, ca

The initial stage of treatment is usually a thorough cleaning that may include scaling to remove plaque and tartar deposits beneath the gum line.

The tooth roots may also be planed to smooth the root surface allowing the gum tissue to heal and reattach to the tooth. In some cases, the occlusion (bite) may require adjustment.

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, Dr. O'Shea, Dr. Keeley and Dr. Pham may place antibiotic fibers in the periodontal pockets after scaling and Planing. This may be done to control infection and to encourage normal healing.

When deep pockets between teeth and gums are present, it is difficult for the doctors to thoroughly remove plaque and tartar. Patients can seldom, if ever, keep these pockets clean and free of plaque. Consequently, surgery may be needed to restore periodontal health.

Do You Need Scaling or Root Planing?

Your gums bleed easily

If your gums bleed when you brush, floss, or eat certain foods, it could be a sign of gum disease rather than just brushing too hard.

Your gums are swollen, red, or tender

Healthy gums are firm and pink. Inflamed gums are often an early warning sign that bacteria have accumulated below the gumline.

You have persistent bad breath

Chronic bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth can be caused by bacteria trapped in deep periodontal pockets.

Your gums are pulling away from your teeth

Gum recession can expose more of your tooth or even the root surface, making teeth appear longer.

Your teeth feel loose

As gum disease progresses, it can damage the bone and tissues supporting your teeth, causing them to loosen.

Bite Adjustment

A bite is considered to be healthy when all or most of the teeth are present and not destroyed by normal daily usage.

It is destructive when teeth show wear, looseness or when TMJ (jaw joint) damage is seen. Bite therapy helps restore a bite that can function without damage and destruction. The therapy may include:

  • Reshaping the biting surfaces of the teeth and eliminating spots of excessive pressures where the teeth are brought into contact. This is done by carefully dividing bite pressures evenly across all of the teeth.
  • Bite splint therapy using a custom-fitted and adjusted plastic bite guard to keep the teeth apart, day, night ,or both.
  • Braces to reposition mal-aligned or drifted teeth.
  • Replacement of old, worn out, or damaged fillings.
  • Reconstruction of badly worn and damaged teeth.

Local Antibiotic Treatment

Periodontal disease is a serious infection under your gumline.

Minocycline hydrochloride is an antibiotic that kills the bacteria that cause the infection.

  • Its placed directly in the infected areas or pockets in your gums.
  • Its applied right after scaling and root planing, the dental procedure that disrupts stubborn plaque and bacteria below your gum line where brushing and flossing cant reach.

Starts working quickly, right at the source of infection, and keeps fighting bacteria long after you leave the dental office.

Fights infection and inflammation for 30 days, and provides significantly better results than scaling and root planing alone for up to 90 days.