Scaling and Root Planing in Wellsboro, PA

In the event that periodontal (gum) disease is diagnosed in the initial stages (often referred to as gingivitis), we can treat it with professional teeth cleaning and enhanced oral health regimens. But if your dental problem develops into the following stage, referred to as periodontitis, we may recommend scaling and root planing (SRP) treatments. Scaling and root planing is a noninvasive gum disease treatment that removes plaque, tartar, and bacteria from under your gum tissues. Using specially designed dental instruments, our experienced Wellsboro, PA dental hygienists will smooth the outsides of your tooth roots within the periodontal pockets. SRP improves your gumline and stops the progression of gum disease. If you notice signs of gum disease, please schedule an appointment at Complete Family Dentistry to learn more about scaling and root planing.

If you notice bleeding or sensitivity, halitosis, receding gums, or other symptoms of gum disease, you might be a good candidate for SRP therapy. When you come in for your appointment, we will measure the pockets separating your teeth from the gum tissues. If these areas exceed three millimeters deep and x-rays show that bone loss has taken place, we may recommend SRP treatments. This periodontal disease therapy should lessen the size of your gum pockets, which may allow you to clean your gums with more efficient techniques. When detected in the earlier stages, we can generally use SRP treatments to reduce the effects.

At our Wellsboro, PA office, we perform scaling and root planing in different parts of the mouth over 1 – 4 sessions. To help you feel comfortable throughout the procedure, we will numb your mouth with a mild anesthetic. If needed, we can also provide nitrous oxide for patients with dental anxiety. After numbing your mouth, our team will use a dental scaler and handheld instruments to effectively eliminate buildup and bacteria from your gum pockets. Your tooth root surfaces are then smoothed (planed) to reduce the areas where harmful bacteria can gather. We may also apply topical antibiotics down into the gum pockets to improve dental wellness and stop bacterial growth.

Following your SRP therapy, swelling and gum sensitivity could develop for a couple of days. These side effects should subside by taking over-the-counter pain medications and performing warm salt water rinses. Practicing good dental hygiene habits, like regular brushing and flossing each day, is crucial for managing your gum health. We might also suggest that you receive gum cleanings to reduce the risk of recurring infections and to effectively care for your periodontal wellness. We perform these periodontal maintenance visits at least 3 – 4 times a year, and they replace your regular oral cleanings.

Thanks to advancements in dentistry, it's possible to treat and reverse the complications of periodontal disease. At Complete Family Dentistry in Wellsboro, PA, our staff performs nonsurgical SRP treatments to treat the periodontitis stage of gum disease and to stop its spread. Please schedule a gum examination with one of our dental professionals or ask our staff for more information about SRP.