Scaling and Root Planing: Restoring Gum Health Without Surgery
At City Family Dental, we work closely with our neighbors from the Plainfield, Naperville, and Aurora areas to help prevent the need for treatments like scaling and root planing. This important service is available at our Bolingbrook, Illinois office and is highly effective at halting gum disease before it worsens.
What is scaling and root planing (SRP)?
Think of SRP as a deep cleaning for your teeth and gums—more intensive than the regular professional cleaning you receive every six months. While a typical cleaning involves our hygienists removing bacteria, plaque, tartar, and surface stains from your teeth and gumline, SRP goes further. “Scaling” removes harmful, disease-causing buildup beneath the gumline, and “root planing” smooths the roots’ surfaces to promote healing and prevent further bacterial growth.
Why is planing necessary?
Plaque and bacteria tend to stick to rough surfaces. By planing or smoothing these rough surfaces, we promote a healthier mouth and help encourage the reattachment of the gums to the teeth.
Is SRP for all types of gum disease?
Care recommendations depend on the stage or severity of the disease. For some individuals with more mild gum disease, all that may be necessary to restore gingival health is modifications to home care, antibacterial rinses, and the standard “prophy” cleaning. For others with more advanced gum disease, it may be suggested to halt the disease’s progression and promote gum healing.
It is important to know that SRP is a nonsurgical alternative to more extensive, traumatic, and aggressive periodontal therapies. Alternatively, surgical treatments are generally for severe gum disease and can help regenerate tissues that have been lost due to this destructive condition.
Will it hurt?
At City Family Dental, we believe dental work should be pain-free. While the conditions we treat can be uncomfortable or painful, our treatments, including scaling and root planing (SRP), are designed to relieve discomfort, not add to it. Most patients tolerate SRP very well, thanks to the use of a local anesthetic that fully numbs the tissues before we begin cleaning beneath the gumline. Our priority is your comfort throughout the procedure, ensuring a pain-free experience as we work to restore your gum health.
Will I need more treatment beyond this deep cleaning?
Scaling and root planing (SRP) is generally a one-time procedure that effectively treats gum disease and prevents further progression. Dr. Naik stresses the importance of adhering to recommended follow-up visits to closely monitor the healing of your gums. Additionally, integrating new oral care products and enhanced cleaning techniques into your daily routine is essential for maintaining optimal gum health. Prevention remains our strongest focus—consistent, thorough oral hygiene at home combined with regular professional exams and cleanings at our Bolingbrook, IL office can significantly reduce the risk of gum disease and the need for invasive treatments like SRP. By taking these proactive measures, you can preserve your smile and support your long-term oral wellness.
If you are due for a visit, contact us! Do not wait until concerning changes arise with your gums before calling our team at (630) 489-6323.
Root canal therapy is a very common procedure. It has a reputation of being undesirable and painful. But when done properly it is actually painless. Every tooth in your mouth is composed of a crown and a root. When a cavity or bacteria penetrates the tooth, the root and its nerves become irritated. As a result, the bacteria within the pulp cavity needs to be removed and cleaned in order to restore the tooth to its healthy state. Following the procedure, the tooth is fragile and consequently is restored with the natural crown for a lifetime of durability. Root canals have a success rate of 95% or greater. Most root canal are diagnosed by patients’ sensitivities to a specific tooth. Be sure to consult your dentist any symptoms or discomfort occur.
