Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing, also known as periodontal therapy or deep cleaning, is a procedure involving the removal of dental plaque and calculus, scaling or debridement, and then smoothing, or planing, of the surfaces of the roots, removing damaging calculus and toxins from the outer tooth layer. Deep teeth cleaning, scaling, and root planing helps to treat gum disease. Deep dental cleaning will control the infection and promote healing. The goal is also to create gum health so that the teeth and gums are easier to maintain with proper home care. The process is more extensive than a typical teeth cleaning and will take a series of appointments to treat.
The entire team at Dr. Crystal Dental radiates compassion and enthusiasm. Every member embraces your individual comfort and dental needs. We seek balance in our practice, our procedures, and your health. You will find your entire dental experience with us comforting from start to finish. We balance exceptional, personalized dental care with state-of-the-art equipment and technology. Call us today at 440-974-4449 to schedule your appointment for an evaluation regarding the benefits of deep teeth cleaning, scaling and root planing for you. You can conveniently find us at 7223 Center Street, Mentor, Ohio, 44060.
Deep dental cleaning will control the infection and promote healing. Preventing infection and inflammation anywhere in your body, including your gums, is important to heart health as well as other systemic conditions. Scaling and root planing can be beneficial if you are looking for a long-term solution for improving the health and aesthetic appearance of your smile.
Dr. Crystal
Dr. Crystal is a graduate of Case Western Reserve University, School of Dental Medicine and went on to receive training at one of the most prestigious dental residencies in the nation, The Audie L. Murphy VA Hospital Advanced Education in General Dentistry in San Antonio, TX.
Inform & Educate
We empower you to make wise, well-informed decisions for your oral health through patient education and individual consultation. We do this through the modern technology we offer. Our digital x-rays are equipped with special cavity-detecting software, and we also utilize an intraoral camera to show you what we see in your mouth. We also make sure to stay up-to-date on your medical history, current medications and any other factors that might affect your dental health and treatment.
Insurance & Billing
We are an insurance-friendly office, so please call us about your plan. We will do our best to assist you in maximizing your benefits. At your first visit to our Mentor dental practice, we will ask you for your current insurance information. We may ask you to confirm this information at subsequent visits so we can stay up-to-date and fully informed to serve you. As a courtesy to you, we file all claim forms electronically, provide postage for special claims, and we track claims for you.
Benefits Of Deep Teeth Cleaning, Scaling and Root Planing
In addition to restoring a healthy smile, a deep teeth cleaning will also improve your overall health by controlling the bacteria that is responsible for low grade, chronic inflammation. Benefits of deep teeth cleanings include the following:
- Prevent Cavities: Plaque that is allowed to collect on your teeth will erode the enamel. Plaque is the leading cause of decay, and cavities left untreated will increase the possibility of needing a tooth extraction. Scheduling a deep cleaning to remove this damaging plaque is one of the best ways you can preserve and maintain good oral health.
- Prevents Gum Disease: Gum disease is the inflammation of the gums caused by a build-up of plaque around your teeth and under your gums. The most common symptoms for gum disease are bleeding when brushing your teeth and inflammation. To prevent gum disease from developing, it is essential to keep plaque and tartar off your teeth.
- Reduce Likelihood of a Heart Attack or Stroke: In addition to causing damaging issues to your teeth and gums, the bacteria from periodontitis can also enter your bloodstream and increase your risk of having a stroke or a heart attack. Research indicates that if you have gum disease you are almost twice as likely to suffer from a heart attack and are at a higher risk of having a stroke as well.
- Reduces risk of Diabetes: There is a direct correlation between diabetes and gum disease. If you have diabetes, you are more vulnerable to developing gum disease, and if you have gum disease you are more likely to have issues regulating your blood glucose levels, which can result in you developing diabetes. By scheduling regular deep cleanings, you can reduce your risk of these issues.
- Prevents Halitosis: If you are suffering from gum disease you may also have bad breath. One of the benefits of deep teeth cleaning is the elimination of this problem because of the significant reduction in harmful bacteria.
The Levels of Gum Disease
Periodontal disease is a progressive disease that can gradually increase in severity. There is also a genetic component to gum disease, so despite best efforts, there are some who are more prone to this type of infection, and treatment is necessary. There are differing types of gum disease, which can be explained below:
- Gingivitis: The earliest stage of gum disease, gingivitis develops due to bacterial plaque that builds up next to the gums. Gingivitis is indicated by sensitive gums that are puffy, red, and bleed easily. Gingivitis can be quickly reversed with proper cleaning and improved oral health care.
- Early Periodontitis: Early periodontitis, the second level, is caused by the continued build-up of plaque and develops when gingivitis is left untreated. There is also a genetic component to this disease process, so early detection is important. Early periodontitis is indicated by symptoms just like gingivitis, just more severe in that it can involve the bone surrounding the teeth. Oftentimes, this early disease process will not have noticeable symptoms for the patient, but at your dental checkups, this will be evaluated. As it progresses, one may feel that the gums feel painful and more sensitive, and brushing can result in excessive bleeding, however, this is not always the case. Unlike gingivitis, which can be addressed through a deep cleaning and improved self-care practices, early periodontitis will most likely require more intensive interventions if it does not respond to scaling and root planing.
- Advanced Periodontitis: When the plaque, bacteria, and toxins have developed to the point that gum tissue and bone surrounding the tooth is being destroyed, you have developed the third stage, advanced periodontitis. If you have progressed to this point you have developed advanced pockets between your gums and teeth, which act as breeding grounds for additional bacteria. Because of the additional bacteria, these pockets expand resulting in the gums receding. If left untreated this recession will result in bone loss, and ultimately tooth loss.
Comprehensive Dentistry
Comprehensive dentistry with Dr. Crystal Schneider, involves the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the teeth, gums and jaw. She believes that preventive care is the most important aspect of comprehensive dentistry. Dr. Schneider aims to identify and treat problems while they’re still small, which can save you time, money and more extensive dental treatment.
Cosmetic Dentistry
An attractive smile can boost your confidence, help you make better first impressions on others, and improve your personal and professional life. We provide several cosmetic dental treatments that can subtly enhance your smile, and there are many other more dramatic treatments, often called “smile makeovers,” that can give you the smile of your dreams.
Specialized Dentistry
Missing teeth can take the joy out of the everyday things we love, from smiling and talking with confidence to eating our favorite foods. All of these things can become easier again with specialized dental care. Dr. Schneider offers advanced treatments that will not just restore your smile to its former health – they’ll make it look and feel even better than before!
The Procedure for Deep Teeth Cleaning, Scaling and Root Planing
Teeth scaling and root planing can be done at Dr. Crystal Dental after an evaluation identifies the problem. You may need to schedule more than one appointment for the procedure depending on the severity of your condition. Our team may or may not suggest a local anesthetic for your procedure. If you are anxious or concerned about any discomfort, discuss this with us at your evaluation.
A personalized plan will be planned for your periodontal treatment, including personalized home care instructions and a plan moving forward for how to maintain your results.
We will begin with a deep teeth scaling. This involves using a hand-held scaler and scraping the plaque from your teeth below the surface of your gums and in any large pockets that have developed between your teeth and gums.
Next, we will do the root planing if necessary. We will smooth the tooth roots using a scaling tool. This smoothing removes the source of the infection, helps your gums reattach to your teeth, and promotes healing. After the bacteria is removed, a disinfecting irrigation will be used under the gumline to treat the newly cleaned root surfaces.
Dr. Crystal Dental may also recommend additional treatment depending on the overall health of your teeth and gums. We may use antimicrobial agents in your mouth or prescribe antibiotics for you to take for several days to help you heal faster. Laser treatments may also be recommended as well as part of your personalized plan.
Our Devotion to Family Dentistry is Unparalleled
Our attention to detail is second to none. Either when it comes to your personalized dental care or the array of amenities in the relaxing comfort of our office. The entire team at Dr. Crystal Dental goes the extra mile in providing communication and consultation, realizing that we collectively are committed to developing long lasting relationships with every patient. We find gratification in life changing healthy smiles. Call us now at 440-974-4449 to make an appointment for your personal evaluation and consultation regarding a deep teeth cleaning, scaling and root planing treatment. Our office is located at 7223 Center Street, Mentor, Ohio, 44060.