Treatment For Periodontitis and Gum Disease
Why Would You Need Therapeutic Scaling?
Periodontitis, AKA gum disease, is caused by a sticky film of bacteria called plaque. Plaque is always forming on your teeth but if your teeth aren’t cleaned well, the bacteria in plaque can cause your teeth to become inflamed. If left untreated your gums will begin to pull away from your teeth leaving pockets where the bacteria will breed. Once this has happened, not only is it extremely difficult if not impossible to remove with regular brushing and flossing, you’re at risk of bone and tooth loss. Dr. Holsteen would recommend therapeutic scaling if he diagnoses you with Periodontitis.
What Is Therapeutic Scaling?
Therapeutic scaling is a procedure used to treat Periodontitis. In therapeutic scaling, after anesthetizing the teeth being treated, all of the plaque and calculus (hardened & mineralized plaque) is removed from above and below your gum line, all the way to the bottom of the pockets. During this scaling, all of the root surfaces that contact the gum tissue are smoothed, to make it more difficult for new plaque and calculus to form again. Therapeutic scaling may be done half of the mouth per appointment, or by quadrants (one-quarter of the mouth per appointment).
After Care Tips
When you see Dr. Holsteen for follow up treatments he will want to check on the healing of your teeth and gums. In most cases, patients who had red or swollen gums find that their gums turn pink again and bleeding from Periodontitis is reduced or completely eliminated. If your gums respond well and remain stable, you’ll not need any further treatment.
To schedule a consultation or to ask any questions about therapeutic scaling, give us a call at 719-598-3502 or send us an email.
