Gum Therapy

Gum therapy may also be referred to as periodontal scaling and root planing (SRP). This is an essential service for patients who have been diagnosed with periodontal disease and need what is known as a “deep cleaning”. This procedure is often two visits and addresses all four quadrants of the mouth.

Plaque and tartar left on teeth allows for bacteria to thrive and will eventually irritate the gums, which is known as the early stages of gingivitis. If gingivitis is left untreated, the resulting inflammation will work toward the foundation of teeth and cause “pocketing”. Within these pockets, bacteria will continue to thrive, creating larger pockets and therefore resulting in the diagnosis of periodontal disease. An SRP will then be recommended as the next course of treatment to remove tartar from not only the surfaces of teeth but also under the gum line. It is important to note that depending on the depth of pocketing, the hygienist may use a local anesthetic while scaling for patient comfort.

After scaling and root planing is completed, a patient will thereafter return about 3-4 times a year for periodontal maintenance appointments, which will allow for members of the hygiene team along with the treating doctors to monitor a patient’s teeth and gums. Periodontal maintenance appointments will consist of a member of our hygiene team removing plaque and tartar from the spaces and surfaces between the gums and teeth. This appointment will also include a polishing of the tooth surface as well as a fluoride treatment, if accepted, which will aid in the prevention of tooth decay.