About 47.2% of Americans age 30 and older have periodontal disease, according to the . Due to the prevalence of gum disease, our dentist in Lebanon, IN, offers scaling and root planing. This gum disease treatment helps prevent the worsening of your symptoms so you can protect your oral health as much as possible.
Here’s what you need to know about the scaling and root planing procedure.
Signs of Gum Disease
You may have gum disease if you have red, swollen, sore, or bleeding gums. While gingivitis (gum inflammation) is reversible, periodontitis (gum infection) is not. This means that it’s important that you call our dental practice right away if you suspect there’s an issue with your oral health.
Gum disease symptoms include:
- Sore gums
- Swollen gums
- Red gums
- Bleeding gums (especially while flossing)
- Tooth sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
Call our office if you recognize any of the above signs of gum disease. Our dentist and his team would be more than happy to walk you through your next steps for gum disease treatment.
What to Expect During Your Appointment
We may use a local anesthetic to ensure your comfort during the . Since each patient is unique, we’ll tailor your treatment plan to match your oral health needs.
Next, our hygienist will use a dental instrument to remove plaque and tartar both above and below the gumline. Patients with periodontitis tend to have deep gum pockets around their teeth. Rest assured, these pockets will be thoroughly cleaned during your appointment.
For the final step, the hygienist will begin root planing. This is a process that involves smoothing out your tooth roots so that they have a better chance of reattaching to your gums.
Schedule an Appointment with Dr. Lee
Dr. Dwight B. Lee is an experienced dentist in Lebanon, IN, who’s accepting new patients. To schedule an appointment for scaling and root planing, please call (765) 482-2400. You may also fill out our online contact form and someone from our team will reach out to you soon.