Scaling and Root Planing in Gainesville, GA

If you've developed signs of periodontal (gum) disease, a normal cleaning may not be adequate for your gum's condition. The first stage of periodontal disease, gingivitis, may be improved with scaling and root planing (SRP). This is a nonsurgical dental treatment by our general dentist, Dr. Patrick B. Toms, using a local anesthetic. With specific instruments, an SRP treatment in Patrick B. Toms, D.M.D. cleans out your deep, bacteria-filled gum pockets and uses a special dental technique called planing to make sure the roots and teeth reattach together. If you're worried about your gums, find out more about SRP at Patrick B. Toms, D.M.D. in Gainesville, GA.

At your dental examination, Dr. Toms will check how deep your gum pockets are. In the event your gum pockets, also called sulcus, are more than three millimeters, then SRP may be recommended. SRP helps to decrease the size of the gum pockets so bacteria and plaque cannot accumulate in the pocket, which contributes to the first phase of periodontal disease (gingivitis). A number of the early signs of gum disease are chronic bad breath, loose teeth, swollen gums that bleed easily, discoloration, and recession of the gumline. When gum disease is caught early, one or more SRP treatments can reduce the signs, but when periodontal disease has reached later phases (regular or advanced periodontitis), then you might need more comprehensive treatments like surgery.

SRP is a deep cleaning that may be performed in our office using local anesthesia on the areas of your mouth being addressed. We might also suggest sedation methods if you are feeling anxious about having SRP. Dr. Toms will utilize a scaling tool to clean the tartar and plaque below the gumline. Dr. Toms will subsequently plane or smooth the area. SRP should decrease the number of regions where tartar and plaque can linger. It may also be beneficial to have antibiotics injected into your gums for infection.

Following your SRP therapy, you might experience greater tooth and gum sensitivity. Dr. Toms may write a prescription for antibiotics that will help remove any residual bacteria from the gums. You should follow a good oral hygiene regimen in your home, such as daily flossing and brushing, to keep your gums and teeth healthy and fresh. You should also schedule yearly dental examinations so Dr. Toms can evaluate the health of your teeth and gums, as well as bi-annual visits to get your teeth cleaned. Based upon the initial state of your gums and your own home care following an SRP therapy, you might need more SRP along your way to recovery.

SRP is a very common procedure for treating gum disease that's usually paid for in part by dental insurance. We will get in touch with your provider to determine your policy and individual expenses. If you don't have dental insurance, then Patrick B. Toms, D.M.D. takes many payments, including low-interest financing through CareCredit®, which may be discussed at your appointment.

Gum disease may become dangerous for your health and painful, so if you're having symptoms, please reach out to our North Georgia team. The degree of your gum disease largely determines the best form of treatment needed. For this reason, it is important to contact a dentist, like Dr. Toms immediately. Please schedule an appointment with Dr. Toms at our office in Gainesville, GA. The first stage of periodontal disease, gingivitis, can slow the progression to periodontitis using the SRP at Patrick B. Toms, D.M.D. We would be happy to consult with you soon.