Periodontal Therapy and Scaling

Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is an infection of the gums caused by oral bacteria — the same bacteria that causes cavities and tooth decay. When this bacteria builds up in the mouth, especially under and along the gumline, it can lead to inflammation and an array of other symptoms including sensitivity, redness, bleeding gums after brushing, and bad breath.

If left untreated, periodontal disease will continue to worsen causing weakening of the ligaments and tissues that support teeth. Infected gum tissues and loosening of ligaments result in bone loss and eventually loss of teeth. This is why periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss among adults, affecting more than 45% of adults 30 years and older and more than 70% of adults over 65.

However, periodontal disease is gradual and highly treatable with treatments like dental deep cleanings from Norman Smile Center. While existing damage cannot be reversed, professional dental deep cleanings can halt the progression of periodontal disease and help preserve your oral health.

Led by Drs. Kristen Campbell and Donna Sparks, Norman Smile Center provides dental deep cleanings as part of our preventative service offerings. They, along with a team of highly experienced dental professionals, have been helping patients in and around the Norman, Oklahoma, area protect their teeth for more than 30 years. In addition to compassionate, comprehensive care, Norman Smile Center also offers the latest in precision dentistry, digital imaging, diagnostics, and advanced techniques and procedures, including dental deep cleanings.

Periodontal Therapy to Delay the Progression of Periodontal Disease

Non-surgical periodontal therapy or scale and root planing is recommended for patients who have been diagnosed with gum disease. Periodontal therapy is a non-surgical technique used to remove plaque, bacteria, and tartar buildup from below the gum line instead of just above it, as in a routine cleaning.

Inflamed and diseased gum tissues around the base of the teeth create deep pockets that allow bacteria to remain trapped, further damaging tissues and tooth root surfaces. Scaling and root planing removes tartar from below the gum line, while disrupting and detoxifying the deep pocket. The root surfaces are smooth allowing the supportive and protective tissues of the gum to reattach to the tooth’s surface more effectively.

After scaling and root planing is performed, patients enter a periodontal maintenance phase of treatment. Supportive periodontal therapy appointments are conducted every 3 months to control bacterial infection and prevent further damage in severe cases of gum disease. Periodontal disease can be episodic in nature and once a person is diagnosed with periodontal disease, they are more susceptible to recurrent disease. Establishing continued and routine care is key to maintaining healthy teeth and gums.

Depending on the severity or stage of your gum disease, you may be a candidate for additional gum therapy treatments, such as:

Antibacterial treatments, which consist of oral antibiotics or an antibiotic mouth rinse administered with deep cleaning or pocket reduction to fight inflammation and infection.
Gum grafts and reshaping, a process in which tissue is taken from a healthy area of the mouth and grafted over areas damaged by gum disease.

Periodontal flap therapy (pocket reduction), a procedure that closes the pockets around the base of the teeth caused by gum disease.

Treat Your Periodontal Disease with Dental Deep Cleaning from Norman Smile Center

Taking good care of your teeth and gums is an important part of staying healthy. Periodontal disease is largely preventable, and early treatment is paramount to protecting both your oral and your overall health; the longer you wait to clean your teeth or address early-stage gum disease, the harder it is to treat. It’s never too late to take better care of your oral health, and Norman Smile Center is here to help.

From routine cleanings to deep cleanings and gum therapy, Norman Smile Center delivers the best in local, professional, and affordable dental care services to help get your oral hygiene back on track. Our friendly dental team is highly trained and highly experienced using the latest in advanced technology and treatment techniques, and every member of our staff is committed to making sure you feel welcome and comfortable in our office.

Norman Smile Center accepts most dental plans as well as CareCredit for easy, straightforward financing, and new patients always get free bleaching trays.

Start giving your teeth and gums the attention they deserve today. Call Norman Smile Center at 405-329-6603 to schedule your appointment, or use our convenient online contact form. We can’t wait to see you!