Scaling And Root Planing
Scaling and root planing (SRP) is a non-surgical dental procedure commonly used to treat gum disease, also known as periodontal disease. It involves a thorough cleaning of the teeth and their roots to remove plaque and tartar (dental calculus) buildup, as well as smooth out rough areas on the tooth roots. Here’s a more detailed explanation
What To Expect
Diagnosis and Assessment
Anesthesia and Scaling
Root Planing
Post-Procedure Care and Maintenance
Goals Of Scaling And Root Planing
1. Halting Gum Disease:
SRP is primarily designed to stop the progression of gum disease. By removing the sources of infection, scaling and root planing prevent further damage to your gum tissues and teeth.
2. Promoting Healing:
The procedure promotes the healing of your gums by eliminating rough surfaces and reducing inflammation.
3. Preventing Tooth Loss:
Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss. SRP helps save your natural teeth, enhancing your overall oral health and preserving your smile.
4. Improving Oral Health:
By addressing gum disease, SRP contributes to better overall oral health, which can have positive impacts on your general well-being.
5. Long-Term Maintenance:
SRP sets the foundation for a healthier mouth, but ongoing maintenance is crucial. Dr. Constantinides will determine the appropriate schedule for follow-up appointments and check-ups to ensure the benefits of SRP are maintained.
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Frequently Asked Questions
We will be as gentle as possible. The periodontal exam can be completed with little or no discomfort.
We will need current periodontal x-rays in order to see disease not otherwise visible. If your referring dentist has taken x-rays, you may request that they be forwarded to us.
Since all patients are different, your periodontist must complete your examination before establishing your treatment planning and the fee for care. The fee for periodontal treatment can vary considerably depending on the type of problems and the complexity and length of treatment. An approximate fee can usually be determined at the initial visit; but on occasion, some initial treatment or further diagnostics must be completed before the final treatment planning can be established. Our philosophy of practice is to treat as conservatively as possible to attain treatment goals.
Dental insurance policies often cover periodontal treatment. Please bring all medical and dental benefit information and cards to your examination appointment.
Not everyone needs periodontal surgery. If treated early, gum disease can be controlled without surgery. We will make recommendations based on your individual situation. Our philosophy of practice is to treat as conservatively as possible to attain treatment goals.
The recent advances in periodontal treatment allow us to successfully treat most teeth.
Our office and your dentist will work closely together. If crowns and fillings are needed your dentist will provide them. Regular visits to your dentist are an important part of periodontal maintenance.
Periodontal disease is a progressive, painless infection. Delay can cause you further bone loss and more expense. If your teeth are lost, dentures are never as effective as your own natural teeth.
After tooth extraction, if the walls of the socket are very thick, they will usually fill naturally with bone in two to three months. However, when the walls of your socket are very thin (such as in your upper and lower front teeth), this type of healing will not be as predictable. In these situations, a bone graft is often placed at the time of tooth extraction to help your body fill in the empty socket with bone. This step will maintain the width and volume of bone you will need for implant placement several months later.
