Advanced Periodontitis

Drs. Ressler, Hirschl, and Lelchuk hope that patients never reach the first stage of periodontal disease let alone the final stage. If mild gingivitis is left untreated, it will advance to periodontitis. Periodontitis is typically treated first through a procedure called scaling and root planing. This involves a deep cleaning of the gums that can be avoided with proper oral hygiene habits. If you experience gum inflammation, schedule a professional cleaning to get the condition under control.

Healthy gums are firm and pink; therefore, if your gums are a dark red, or have a purple tint, you may be a victim of periodontal disease. With advanced periodontitis, the gum will pull away from the tooth, and the risk of losing permanent teeth is increased. Depending on the severity of periodontitis, scaling and root planing will be performed to remove the bacteria from below the gum line. To prevent periodontal disease in any form, you should adequately brush your teeth at least twice a day for a two-minute period. Follow this up with proper flossing and a quick mouth rinse, and your smile will benefit.  

If you have questions or concerns about dental health, please give us a call. To learn more about dental health as well as the services we provide at the practice, visit www.miami-dental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors, give us a call at our Miami Beach office: 305-532-1444 or North Miami Beach office: 305-949-2630. 

What is Scaling and Root Planing Used For?

If you dread the dental drill but have been told that you have gingivitis, it’s important that you take gingivitis seriously and treat it promptly. Root planing and scaling is one of the most effective ways to treat gum disease before it becomes severe. It is done when gums have either started to pull away from the teeth or the roots of the teeth have tartar on them. Depending on the condition of the patient’s gums, the amount of tartar present, the depth of the pockets, and the progression of periodontitis, Dr. Ressler, Dr. Hirschl, or Dr. Lelchuk, may recommend scaling and root planing.

Scaling and root planing can be used as a stand-alone treatment, or a preventative measure and are commonly performed on cases of gingivitis and moderate to severe periodontal disease. The objective of this non-surgical procedure is to remove dental plaque and tartar, which causes gum inflammation. When scaling is performed, calculus and plaque that attaches to the tooth surfaces are removed. The process especially targets the area below the gum line, along the root. Root planing is when the root of the tooth is literally smoothed, which promotes healing and also helps prevent bacteria from forming in the future. If treatment is successful, you’ll protect your teeth, reduce bad breath and have a more aesthetically pleasing smile.

To learn more about scaling and root planing as well as the services we provide at the practice, visit www.miami-dental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors, give us a call at our Miami Beach office: 305-532-1444 or North Miami Beach office: 305-949-2630.