Scaling and Root Planing is the first treatment for periodontal disease. It removes all of the irritants under the gums to eliminate inflamation and infection. Half of the mouth is numbed so that the hygienist can comfortably remove hardened food from below the gums. This is called scaling and it's like removing the scales from a fish. Most hygienists also use ultrasonic vibrating tools to blast deposits off of teeth. It leaves a rough surface so planing is needed.

          A carpenter planes a door to make it smooth. The dental hygienist surgically planes the root surfaces which allows the gums to regenerate without irritation. The gum tissue shrinks and tightens around the teeth because there is no longer anything irritating. It also reduces bleeding gums. After scaling and root planing is completed the gums heal and the results determined by charting the patient's pocket depth. The goal is a 1 to 3 mm thickness.

          In some patients, scaling and root planing is the only treatment needed. It can often eliminate the inflamation and infection that promotes the tissue destruction around teeth from periodontal disease. Because it's a non-surgical treatment, patients often feel comfortable with it, however, it is most effective is treating early periodontal disease. Unfortunately, this treatment is not a cure. Many patients have the procedure done every two years to remove irritants that accumulate. With the irritants gone, the gums shrink. This can expose tooth roots previously covered with inflamed gum tissue. The exposed roots are often sensitive to hot and cold.

          PerioChip is a small chip that is inserted directly into infected periodontal pockets that are 5mm or greater in depth. The PerioChip can be quickly inserted and stays in place releasing an antibiotic called chlorhexidine. The Periochip then melts and is completely absorbed by a patient's gums in 7 to 10 days. Periostat is an antibiotic that is given in very low doses and inhibits destructive enzymes in a patient's gums. It removes the irritants that cause destruction of the gums and Periostat reduces the strength of the irritants. If you are considering having scaling and root planing done and would like to speak with Dr. Padolsky, schedule an appointment by calling 404-874-7428.