Gum Disease Therapy – Studio City, CA
Protecting More Than Just Your Teeth
While much of dentistry is focused on the teeth, the condition of the gums is actually just as important when it comes to the health and appearance of the smile. Without proper care, the gums can easily develop an infection called periodontal (gum) disease, which can cause tenderness, swelling, and even tooth loss. At Studio City Dental Arts, we always screen our patients’ gums during their regular dental checkups, so we can find and treat the earliest signs of a problem. If your gums feel sensitive or if they bleed every time you clean your teeth, be sure to contact us today so we can protect your smile.
Scaling & Root Planing
If we’re able to catch periodontal disease early, it can usually be treated with scaling and root planing, a dental cleaning focused on the gums. First, an ultrasonic cleaner is used to remove plaque and tartar deposits beneath the gumline (scaling), and then the rough surfaces of the teeth’s roots are gently smoothed (root planing). Why do we do this? This reduces the likelihood of plaque accumulating along the gums in the future, lowering a patient’s risk of reinfection.
Do I Need Scaling & Root Planing?
To determine whether or not scaling and root planing is ideal for you, we first need to complete an examination of your gums. X-rays are also captured to collect as much information as possible. Depending on the condition of your gum tissue, the depth of the pockets, and the progress of your gum disease, we might recommend scaling and root planing to keep gum disease at bay.
The Process of Scaling & Root Planing
The complete scaling and root planing process is usually completed over the course of two appointments, but this can vary from patient to patient. To remove plaque and tartar, we start by scaling the teeth with dental tools. We will target the gumline and underneath the gumline where plaque, tartar, and bacteria build up.
After the scaling portion is complete, we will move on to the root planing portion of the treatment. This is when we smooth down sections of the teeth beneath the gumline. This helps the gums to adhere to the teeth, speeding up the healing process by making it more difficult for bacteria to build up in the future.
Aftercare Tips for Scaling & Root Planing
It is normal for the gums to feel a little bit sore after scaling and root planing. There may also be some inflammation in those areas. This is temporary and should subside over the next couple of weeks. Here are some tips to help the healing process go quickly and smoothly.
- Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste
- Rinse your mouth with saltwater after meals
- Floss every day
- Stick to a soft diet following your treatment
- Avoid foods and beverages that are spicy, acidic, and hot
- Refrain from intense physical activity
Antibiotic Therapy
After an initial periodontal cleaning, Dr. Shahrestany may choose to apply a topical antibiotic to eliminate any bacteria that is still hidden deep below the gum line. She’ll use Arestin, which looks like a powder, but it is actually made of thousands of tiny microspheres that are each filled with a powerful antimicrobial agent. Once on the gums, the spheres will slowly dissolve so the medicine can reach any remaining bacteria.