Don’t Let Gum Disease Compromise Your Smile
Are you noticing red, swollen, or bleeding gums? These could be early signs of gum disease. At Ambis Dental in Ithaca, NY, Dr. Edward Ambis and his experienced team offer scaling and root planing to help reverse these effects and prevent the progression of gum disease. With over 40 years of dental expertise, we’re committed to preserving your oral health and beautiful smile.
Contact our Ithaca dental office today at 607-272-1874 to schedule your appointment and take the first step towards healthier gums.
What is Scaling & Root Planing?
Dr. Ambis utilizes scaling and root planing treatment as a non-surgical procedure to treat gum disease. This deep cleaning process goes beyond regular dental cleanings to address issues below the gum line. The two-step process includes:
Scaling: Using specialized instruments, Dr. Ambis or one of our skilled hygienists removes bacteria called plaque and tartar (calculus) from the tooth surface and beneath the gum line. This step is crucial in eliminating bacteria that cause inflammation and gum disease.- Root Planing: After scaling, the root surfaces of the teeth are carefully smoothed. This process eliminates any rough spots or infected tooth structure, removing bacterial toxins and creating a clean surface that promotes healing and the reattachment of healthy gum tissue.
Benefits of Scaling & Root Planing at Ambis Dental
Choosing this treatment with Dr. Ambis can provide numerous advantages:
- Halts the progression of gum disease
- Reduces the risk of tooth loss
- Eliminates bad breath caused by bacteria and infection
- Improves overall oral health
- Saves money on future dental treatments by addressing issues early
- Decreases gum bleeding and inflammation
When is Scaling & Root Planing Necessary?
Our Ithaca dentist may recommend this procedure if you’re experiencing moderate to severe gum disease (periodontitis), significant plaque and tartar buildup, or bleeding, inflamed, or receding gums. Deep pockets between teeth and gums or loose and shifting teeth due to gum disease indicate that you might benefit from this treatment.
The Scaling & Root Planing Process at Ambis Dental
At Ambis Dental, the scaling and root planing procedure consists of the following steps:
- Comprehensive Evaluation: Dr. Ambis will assess your gum health through detailed X-rays and careful measurements of gum pockets around each tooth.
- Personalized Sedation Options: We offer various sedation options, including local anesthesia and conscious sedation, to ensure your comfort during the procedure.
- Thorough Scaling: Using both hand instruments and ultrasonic devices, we meticulously remove plaque and tartar from tooth surfaces and below the gum line.
- Precise Root Planing: We carefully smooth the root surfaces, removing any infected tooth structure and creating an ideal environment for gum reattachment.
- Antimicrobial Treatment: We may apply antimicrobial agents directly into the periodontal pockets to combat bacteria and promote healing.
- Final Rinse: An antibacterial mouth rinse is used to flush out any remaining debris and bacteria.
Aftercare and Recovery
To maintain the benefits of your treatment and keep your gums healthy:
- Follow Dr. Ambis’s personalized oral hygiene recommendations, including proper brushing and flossing techniques
- Use prescribed antimicrobial mouth rinses or oral medications as directed
- Avoid tobacco products, as they can significantly impair healing
- Maintain a healthy diet rich in vitamins C and D to support gum health
- Attend follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and receive any necessary touch-ups
Potential Risks and Side Effects
While scaling and root planing is generally safe and effective, patients should be aware of potential side effects:
- Temporary teeth sensitivity, especially to hot and cold temperatures
- Possible gum recession as inflammation subsides
- Rare risk of infection, which is minimized by following aftercare instructions
- Mild discomfort or pain, typically manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers