Scaling and Root Planing (Initial Therapy)

When treating periodontitis Dr. Paris and Dr. Shumaker always start with a conservative non-surgical deep cleaning technique known as Scaling and Root Planing. This procedure uses special ultrasonic and hand instruments to comfortably remove as much bacteria and tartar from the roots in the pocketed areas as possible. Scaling and Root Planing are done under local anesthetic, just like when you get a filling done.

Dr. Paris and Dr. Shumaker recognize that smoking and tobacco use, diabetes, stress, certain medications, tooth grinding, and poor nutrition may profoundly effect the health of your gums and supporting bone, and may facilitate managing these factors as part of your care.

Before Scaling and Root Planing

After Scaling and Root Planing

To prevent any bacterial infection from re-colonizing within your gum pockets, Dr. Paris and Dr. Shumaker may prescribe oral or topical antibiotic treatment for a period of time following your therapy. They may also recommend a bite adjustment be performed to even the bite force on your teeth, as well as suggesting consistent home care and more frequent periodontal cleanings to improve the chance of keeping your teeth healthy.

Four to eight weeks after Scaling and root planing is completed Dr. Paris and Dr. Shumaker will perform a reevaluation to determine if the initial treatment was sufficient to control your periodontitis, or if further treatment is necessary to stop your bone loss and control the disease process.

In situations of mild periodontitis, pockets usually can be treated non-surgically with scaling and root planning alone.

In more advanced situations where bone loss is involved, additional procedures may be necessary to stop the progression of gum disease and reduce the pocket depths to save your teeth.

In either situation, after treatment is completed periodic cleanings (usually every 3 months), called Periodontal Maintenance, are required to maintain the benefits achieved by active treatment.

If you can't seem to get rid of bad breath, or if your gums are sore and bleed easily when flossed, Dr. Paris and Dr. Shumaker are the experts you need. Call us today at 970-207-4061 to schedule a consultation, or ask your general dentist for a referral.