Periodontal Scaling & Root Planing

A deep cleaning procedure that removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline and smooths tooth roots to help gums reattach

Benefits

• Halts the progression of active gum disease and prevents tooth loss.

• Smooths rough root surfaces to prevent future bacteria buildup.

• Performed with local anesthesia for your complete comfort.

Is This For You ?

Patients diagnosed with gingivitis or periodontitis (gum disease) who have deep gum pockets and tartar buildup below the gumline.

What To Expect :

We carefully clean deep gum pockets and smooth the tooth roots. You may experience mild, temporary sensitivity or slight bleeding as your gums begin to heal and tighten.

Why Choose Advanced Dental Care for Deep Cleaning?

Gum disease is a serious condition, but it is highly manageable with the right care. At Advanced Dental Care, we specialize in non-surgical periodontal therapies designed to halt the progression of gum disease and save your natural teeth.

Our scaling and root planing procedure is performed with your comfort in mind, utilizing localized anesthesia and gentle ultrasonic instruments to thoroughly clean deep below the gumline.

We don't just treat the symptoms; we partner with you to create a customized periodontal maintenance plan that protects your long-term oral and overall health right here in Toledo.

What to Expect During Scaling & Root Planing

1. Comprehensive Periodontal Exam
We meticulously measure your gum pocket depths and take X-rays to assess the exact extent of bone loss and tartar buildup.

2. Localized Anesthesia & Comfort
To ensure you are completely comfortable, we apply a gentle local anesthetic to numb the gum tissues before we begin the deep cleaning.

3. Deep Scaling
Using specialized ultrasonic and hand instruments, we carefully remove all plaque and hardened tartar from deep within the gum pockets.

4. Root Planing
We smooth the rough surfaces of the tooth roots. This crucial step helps the gums heal and reattach tightly to the teeth, eliminating the pockets.

5. Healing & Maintenance Plan
After your gums heal, we will transition you to a specialized periodontal maintenance schedule (usually every 3-4 months) to keep the disease from returning.

FAQ

Why do my gums bleed during the cleaning, and is that normal?

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Seeing blood in the sink can be alarming, but bleeding gums are actually a very common sign of inflammation (gingivitis) caused by plaque and tartar buildup along the gumline.

When we gently clean away that bacteria, the inflamed tissue may bleed slightly. The best way to stop the bleeding is to keep up with your professional cleanings and your daily brushing and flossing at home. As your gums become healthier and tighter, the bleeding will completely stop!

What is the difference between a regular cleaning and a "deep cleaning"?

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This is one of the most common questions we get! The difference comes down to maintenance versus treatment.

Prophylaxis (Regular Cleaning): This is a preventive measure for patients with generally healthy gums. We remove plaque, tartar, and stains from above the gumline to keep your smile healthy and bright.

Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning): This is a therapeutic procedure for patients actively showing signs of gum disease (like deep gum pockets or bone loss). We clean below the gumline and smooth the tooth roots to help the gums reattach and heal.

When to see a Periodontist?

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You should consider seeing a periodontist if you experience persistent bleeding gums, receding gums, loose teeth, or if your general dentist recommends specialized care for advanced gum disease or dental implant placement. Our in-house specialist, Dr. Anass Koleilat, is here to provide you with the highest level of expert care.

What is a Periodontist?

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A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal (gum) disease, as well as the placement of dental implants. To earn this title, they complete an additional three years of rigorous, specialized training beyond dental school, making them true experts in the supporting structures of your teeth.

Periodontal Disease and Respiratory Disease

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Bacteria from the mouth can be inhaled into the lungs or travel through the bloodstream. In vulnerable individuals, this can potentially cause respiratory infections like pneumonia or worsen existing conditions like COPD. Keeping your mouth healthy is an important step in protecting your respiratory system.

Periodontal Disease and Osteoporosis

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Both osteoporosis and periodontal disease involve bone loss. Research indicates that postmenopausal women with osteoporosis may be at a higher risk for tooth loss and progressive periodontal bone loss. Maintaining excellent oral hygiene and regular dental visits is crucial for protecting your jawbone health.

Periodontal Disease and Pregnancy

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Hormonal changes during pregnancy can increase the risk of gingivitis and periodontal disease. Furthermore, severe, untreated gum disease has been linked to an increased risk of premature birth and low birth weight. We highly recommend a dental checkup early in your pregnancy to ensure a healthy environment for both you and your baby.

Periodontal Disease, Heart Disease and Stroke

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Research suggests a strong link between oral health and cardiovascular health. The chronic inflammation caused by periodontal disease may contribute to the buildup of plaque in arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. Treating gum disease can help reduce this systemic inflammation.

Periodontal Disease and Diabetes

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The relationship between gum disease and diabetes is bidirectional. Diabetes increases your risk of developing periodontal disease because it impairs the body's ability to fight infection. Conversely, severe gum disease can make it harder to control blood sugar levels, potentially worsening diabetes. Managing both conditions together is key to your overall health.

Periodontal Disease Self Evaluation

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While only a professional exam can definitively diagnose gum disease, you can check yourself for these warning signs: Do your gums bleed when you brush? Are they pulling away from your teeth? Do you have persistent bad breath, pus between your teeth and gums, or notice any teeth feeling loose? If you answer "yes" to any of these, please schedule an evaluation with us promptly.

Signs & Symptoms of Periodontal Disease

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Gum disease can be "silent" in its early stages, but common signs include:• Gums that are red, swollen, or tender.• Bleeding during brushing or flossing.• Receding gums (teeth looking "longer").• Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth.• Loose teeth or changes in how your teeth fit together when you bite.

Causes of Periodontal Disease

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The primary cause is plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on teeth. If not removed, it hardens into tartar. Other contributing factors include poor oral hygiene, smoking or tobacco use, genetics, hormonal changes, certain medications that cause dry mouth, and systemic conditions like diabetes.

What is Periodontal (Gum) Disease?

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Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection of the gums and the supporting bone that holds your teeth in place. It typically begins as gingivitis (mild gum inflammation) and can progress to periodontitis if plaque and tartar are not regularly removed. The good news? It is highly preventable and, when caught early, very treatable.

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