Scaling and Root Planing in Silver Spring, MD

To maintain a healthy mouth, it is vital that you brush and floss efficiently and undergo regular dental exams and cleanings. These practices are essential for reducing bacterial plaque accumulation, which can cause gum disease, also known as periodontitis. At De Lucs Dental, we provide deep cleaning procedures called scaling and root planing to keep up optimum gum health.

What Is Scaling and Root Planing?

Scaling and root planing is a periodontal therapy that can treat gum disease by deeply cleaning the areas of the gums and teeth where harmful bacteria can accumulate.

Gum disease is a bacterial infection that causes inflammation within the soft and hard tissues of the mouth. If diagnosed in its initial stages, gum diseases are manageable and often treatable with conventional procedures such as scaling and root planing. If not treated, it can result in gum recession, bone loss, tooth decay, and other grave oral health concerns. Gum disease has also been inter-linked with other overall health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.

Benefits of Scaling and Root Planing

There are numerous benefits of scaling and root planing treatments:

• The process is minimally invasive 
• The inflammation and swelling of your gums are alleviated.
• No bleeding of gums while brushing
• Foul breath is cured
• Treats inflammation in your gums

The Scaling and Root Planing Procedure

During your consultation, Dr. Gary Lucombe will comprehensively evaluate the health of your teeth and gums using X-rays and scans. These scans will allow us to make sure that gum disease has not affected the underlying bone structure. 

Before beginning your procedure, we will numb the gums and surrounding tissue with local anesthesia. Once you are comfortable, we will use a dental tool known as a scaler to eliminate plaque accumulation from the base of the gum line and in between the teeth. We will then employ a root planing instrument to smooth any rough edges from the base and root surfaces of teeth to enable the gums to rest securely around them.

After Scaling and Root Planing

A patient may experience slight sensitivity following the procedure. You should be able to resume your daily functions immediately, although we do recommend eating a soft diet until the anesthesia wears off. In the following weeks, the inflammation in your gums will reduce.

If you have gum disease, you may benefit from scaling and root planing. Visit our office, De Lucs Dental, LLC, at 8630 Fenton Street, Suite 204, Silver Spring, MD 20910 or call 301-587-8081 | 301-587-8082 and schedule an appointment with Dentist in Silver Spring, MD.