Periodontal Disease Treatment – Tyler, TX
Tackling Gum Disease
Before It’s Too Late
Have you noticed that your gums are bleeding when you brush or floss, or that you have chronic bad breath? These are both common symptoms of gum disease, which is an oral health problem that is said to impact one out of every two adults in the nation, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Dr. Markle offers thorough and effective periodontal disease therapy in Tyler, TX to help tackle and reverse the effects of the condition before it causes permanent damage to your smile.
Why Choose Southern Oaks Dental
for Periodontal Disease Treatment?
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We Accept
Dental Insurance -
Advanced
Digital Imaging -
Experience &
Skilled Dentist
Scaling & Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is a two-step process meant to reduce the prevalence of harmful oral bacteria and ease your discomfort from symptoms of gum disease. First, our team will clear all plaque and tartar accumulation from above and below the gumline, as far down as the pockets of the gums. Afterward, we’ll smooth out the roots of your teeth, allowing the gums to healthily reattach and provide the vulnerable area with much-needed protection.
Do I Need Scaling & Root Planing?
Scaling and root planing is often referred to as a “deep cleaning.” When we notice early signs of gum disease, like bleeding, swelling, and inflammation, we address the problem to keep it from progressing and causing permanent damage to your oral health. The goal of this treatment is to remove bacteria that have accumulated around or beneath the gumline. During the root planing part of the treatment, we will smooth down the roots of your teeth so that your gums are better able to heal and reattach to your teeth.
The Process of Scaling & Root Planing
This treatment typically takes place over two different appointments. This first part is the “scaling.” This is when we scrape away plaque and tartar that have formed along and beneath the gumline using dental instruments. We will target the area beneath the gumline where bacterial deposits have formed.
Once the scaling is complete, we will begin root planing. We do this by smoothing sections of the teeth that are normally hidden beneath the gum tissue. This helps the gums to adhere to your teeth more easily and makes it more difficult for bacteria to build up again. Ultimately, it can reduce your risk of developing gum disease in the future.
Aftercare Tips for Scaling & Root Planing
Some soreness is normal after scaling and root planing, and you may experience some inflammation. This is temporary and should resolve itself after a few weeks. Here are a few tips to help you recover efficiently:
- Gently brush twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste.
- Rinse your mouth with salt water after eating to prevent irritation and wash away food debris.
- Floss thoroughly every day.
- Stick to a soft diet for the first 48 hours after your appointment.
- Stay away from foods that are spicy, very acidic, or hot.
- Avoid intense physical exercise immediately after your treatment.
Peridex Antibiotic Therapy
In combination with scaling and root planing, we may also suggest Peridex antibiotic therapy. We’ll prescribe a prescription medication as an oral rinse to help treat common symptoms of gingivitis, like bleeding gums and chronic bad breath. It’s an antibiotic treatment meant to reduce the prevalence of harmful oral bacteria that are known to release toxins that cause gum disease. If you would like to learn more or are experiencing some of these symptoms, contact our dental office to schedule an appointment.