What Is Periodontal Therapy?
Periodontal therapy is a noninvasive treatment for gum disease that involves scaling and root planing. Scaling and root planing is essentially a deep cleaning of your teeth during which all surfaces, both above and below your gumline, are thoroughly cleaned.
Scaling is the cleaning of your teeth’s visible surfaces. Using a scaler, we remove all buildup, including stubborn tartar and calcified plaque. Our dentist in Winchester gives close attention to the areas of your teeth around the gumline and just below it.
After the teeth have been scaled, our dentist, Dr. Jared Pell, moves on to root planing. Using specialized tools, our Winchester dentist removes plaque, bacteria, and toxins from the roots of your teeth, effectively smoothing them. By smoothing the surfaces of your tooth roots, we prevent new plaque and bacteria from adhering to them. Finally, an antibacterial wash is applied below the gums to clean the area. You are then scheduled for a follow-up visit 6 to 8 weeks later to ensure your oral health is improving.
Continued Treatment with Periodontal Maintenance
Many patients show significant improvement in their oral health at their follow-up visit. However, if periodontal therapy does not yield the desired results, we may recommend periodontal maintenance. Periodontal maintenance is a series of regularly scheduled visits to our dental office during which the teeth are examined and cleaned. This is done to help your gums, and your whole mouth, to further heal. The condition of your mouth at your follow-up will determine the frequency of your appointments.
Gum Disease Prevention
Successful periodontal therapy helps your gums to properly reattach to your teeth, enabling them to effectively prevent new bacteria from traveling below the gumline. However, new gum disease can occur. It is essential that you take action to prevent this from happening. To prevent gum disease, practice good oral hygiene. Oral hygiene involves several components.
Most of your oral hygiene habits take place at home. It is recommended that you brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once a day. In addition to your oral care routine at home, it is also recommended that you have your teeth professionally cleaned and examined at least twice a year.
With periodontal therapy, our dentist in Winchester, VA, can halt the progression of gum disease and help your gums begin healing. For more information, call Shenandoah Family Dentistry – Winchester today at 540-773-0234.
Frequently Asked Questions About Periodontal Treatment
What are the early signs that I may need periodontal treatment?
Bleeding or swollen gums, persistent bad breath, gum tenderness, gum recession, and changes in how your teeth fit together can be signs of gum disease. Professional evaluation can help identify problems before they progress.
How is periodontal treatment different from a regular dental cleaning?
A routine cleaning focuses mainly on plaque and tartar above the gumline. Periodontal treatment with scaling and root planing also cleans below the gumline and smooths the tooth roots where harmful bacteria and buildup can collect.
Can periodontal treatment stop gum disease from getting worse?
Scaling and root planing can remove bacteria and deposits that contribute to gum disease and help reduce inflammation. Treating gum disease early can help prevent further damage to the gums and supporting structures around the teeth.
Will I need more than one periodontal treatment appointment?
The number of appointments depends on the extent of gum disease and the areas that need treatment. Shenandoah Family Dentistry in Winchester may also recommend a follow-up visit to evaluate how the gums are responding.
What is periodontal maintenance, and why might I need it?
Periodontal maintenance involves regular examinations and professional cleanings after initial gum disease treatment. These visits help monitor gum health and manage the risk of the disease returning or progressing.
How soon should I seek treatment for bleeding or swollen gums?
Persistent bleeding, swelling, redness, or tenderness should not be ignored. An evaluation can determine whether these symptoms are related to gum disease and whether periodontal treatment is appropriate.
How can I protect my gums after periodontal treatment?
Consistent brushing twice a day, daily flossing, regular professional cleanings, and recommended periodontal maintenance appointments can help support healthy gums after treatment.
Where can I get periodontal treatment in Winchester, VA?
Shenandoah Family Dentistry in Winchester provides periodontal therapy, including scaling and root planing, to help manage gum disease and support healthier gums. Call 540-773-0234 to schedule an appointment.
