Scaling & Root Planing
Plaque is a sticky substance that adheres to tooth structure and is teeming with bacteria. Over time, plaque becomes calcified (hardens), and that’s when it becomes what we call tartar, or calculus. Plaque and calculus are actually irritants to the tissues of your mouth. Your body’s reaction to the irritants—and the subsequent gum inflammation, gum recession, bleeding and eventual bone loss around the teeth—constitute periodontal (gum) disease.
The earliest stage of periodontal disease is called gingivitis (which is reversible), mainly characterized by bleeding gums when you brush and floss. If the disease goes unchecked, it will progress to periodontitis, which is far more destructive, and is characterized by further gum deterioration, bone loss, and ultimately tooth loss.
Scaling and root planing are the most common treatments for periodontal disease. Scaling removes calculus and plaque from the tooth surface above and below the gum line. Root planing smoothes the root's surface and removes any remaining calculus. If the amount of plaque and calculus are extensive, we may numb the area to make the procedure more comfortable for you. A combination of ultrasonic and hand instruments are used in the procedure. The ultrasonic instruments remove the large deposits of plaque and calculus. Hand instruments are then used to remove any remaining tartar and ensure all surfaces of the crown and root are clean and smooth.
You may experience some sensitivity and soreness a few days after treatment. This is usually relieved with over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
We generally schedule a follow-up visit for four weeks following your treatment to look for improvement, and then again at regular intervals (3-month and 6-month intervals are typical) to monitor the disease. The goal is to maintain the existing bone height around the teeth by eliminating active inflammation caused by bacteria and reducing the periodontal pockets around the teeth so they cannottrap plaque or calculus.
Girgis Dental Care - Dr. Johannes Girgis
Family & Cosmetic Dentist - Dentist in Ottawa - Bank Street1385 Bank Street, Suite 203, Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 8N4
Phone: (613) 738-1113
Email: [email protected]
