When scaling and root planing may be required to save the smile
- Posted on: Oct 15 2019
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Periodontal disease, or gum disease, impacts millions of Americans. The earlier stages often go unnoticed, but do have specific signs including persistent bad breath, red or swollen gums, and bleeding of the gums while brushing and flossing. If left untreated, the condition can worsen to the later stages of periodontal disease. At this point, the condition is irreversible but can be managed with the assistance of a dentist. Dr. Robert D. Bankhardt may also recommend procedures such as scaling and root planing during these advanced stages of periodontal disease to bring the smile back to health.
How periodontal disease affects the smile
Periodontal disease is an infection of the mouth. It begins in the gum tissues and is caused by the development of bacteria. The bacteria hide in pockets that form between the gum tissues and the teeth, and multiply. Without treatment, the bacteria can spread and result in damage throughout the mouth, including shrinking bone, inflamed gum tissues, increasing pocket depths, and loose teeth.
What procedures can save the smile?
When periodontal disease is in the earlier stages, a simple cleaning of the teeth performed at the dental practice may be able to reverse the problem. However, the later stages will benefit from scaling and root planing, a special periodontal treatment that is done to remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria from the surfaces of the teeth—including the roots. This procedure is minimally invasive, but can provide effective treatment of the problem at hand. In many instances, Dr. Robert D. Bankhardt may also integrate antibiotics. This may be in the form of antibiotics that can be administered directly to the gum tissues and teeth, or an oral medication that the patient takes for a required period of time to help control the infection.
Receive periodontal treatment at the practice of Dr. Robert D. Bankhardt
If you live in the area of Simi Valley, CA or the surrounding communities and are interested in speaking with our team about procedures such as scaling and root planing, we welcome you to schedule an appointment by calling (805) 584-1194 today. Our practice is located at 2720 Cochran Street, Suite #2B and accepts new patients.
Posted in: Periodontal Services
