According to the CDC, gum disease affects nearly half of American adults over 30. Ignoring it could lead to serious consequences for your teeth, gums, and whole-person health. At Porter Dental Health Clinic, we offer advanced solutions for gum disease in our state-of-the-art practice in Hot Springs, AR.
Our top-rated dentists, including Dr. Lance Porter and Dr. Will Warren, take gum disease seriously, and we take action fast to help you fight gum disease and keep your mouth healthy. Scaling and root planing, aka deep dental cleaning, is often an integral part of managing periodontal disease that has advanced beyond the initial stage.
What Is Scaling and Root Planing?
Stage one gum disease, gingivitis, is treatable with routine dental cleanings and good oral health care at home. Routine cleanings focus above the gumline and on the teeth surfaces but don’t treat beneath the gumline.
But, in stage two gum disease (periodontitis,) the gums start receding and pockets form between the teeth and gums. That’s when you need scaling and root planing to disinfect those pockets beneath the gumline and remove built-up plaque and tartar. Additionally, this type of cleaning smooths tooth roots to help your gums reattach and heal. A smooth surface makes it harder for bacteria to collect again.
This nonsurgical treatment is one of the most effective strategies to stop gum disease in its tracks. It’s often the first step in a personalized periodontal care plan for progressing gum disease.
Who Needs Scaling and Root Planing?
If you’ve been told you need a deep cleaning, it means your gums are showing signs of advanced periodontal disease. We don’t take that lightly, and neither should you. Untreated gum disease can lead to:
- Chronic bad breath
- Further gum recession
- Loose teeth
- Tooth loss
- Jaw bone loss
- Chronic disease (linked to heart disease, diabetes, and more)
Deep dental cleaning can help restore gum health without surgery. In most cases, it’s performed over one or two appointments with numbing to keep you comfortable the entire time.
Scaling and Root Planing Frequency
At Porter Dental Health Clinic, we focus on prevention so you can have healthy teeth and gums for a lifetime. We don’t just clean your teeth—we help you understand how to maintain your oral health between visits.
If you need scaling and root planing, it means you have gum disease that requires a higher level of care than routine cleanings.
Our team usually recommends dental cleanings twice a year (every six months.) But, you may only need scaling and root planing every few years. It all depends on your gum disease severity.
After your deep dental cleaning, good oral hygiene and regular cleanings on our recommended schedule may prevent the need for additional scaling and root planing sessions.
Scaling and Root Planing in Hot Springs, AR
Ready to take control of your gum health? Call Porter Dental Health Clinic at 501-624-2778 to schedule your appointment.
