Scaling and Root Planing – Leawood, KS
Bacteria Eliminated for Healthier Gums
Studies show that the majority of adult Americans suffer from some form of gum disease, which is the inflammation and infection of the gum tissue. With proper care, the problem can be addressed before it mushrooms into an even bigger issue. If you’ve noticed red or bleeding gums, tenderness or consistently unpleasant breath, then you may have acute bacteria growth. Contact us today to request an appointment with Dr. Ayers to receive gum disease therapy, which includes the scaling and root planing procedure, and to have your oral health fully restored.
What is Scaling and Root Planing?
One way Dr. Ayer can address gum disease is to perform a scaling and root planing in Leawood, which is a two-step process that involves the following:
- Scaling – With the aid of a special tool, plaque and tartar that have accumulated beneath the gum line will be removed.
- Root Planing – The next step is to smooth the roots of the teeth to deter new bacteria from gathering and causing future issues.
How Periodontal Maintenance Works
Because bacteria are so resilient, we provide patients with three-month periodontal maintenance, which is a necessary extension of the scaling and root planing procedure. Dr. Ayer will again clean beneath and above the gum line to remove any new plaque growth and to smooth the tooth roots. We’ll conclude the procedure by administering an antibiotic medication in the germ pockets to encourage more bacteria eradication, to ease any discomfort and to promote healing.
How to Prevent New Bacteria Growth
In addition to visiting our Leawood office on a regular basis for maintenance, we highly recommend you take the appropriate steps to prevent new bacteria, plaque and tartar growth at home. Two factors to pay special attention to are your food and beverage intake and your oral hygiene regimen.
Monitoring what you eat and drink is of the utmost importance because bacteria rely on sugar as their main source of sustenance. Therefore, a diet full of sweet snacks, juices, sodas and other known sources of simple sugars can spell havoc for your oral health.
Your maintenance of a consistent and properly-executed oral hygiene regimen is equally important. This should include brushing and flossing your teeth at least two times a day to remove any bacteria that have accumulated before they can start the decay process.
The incorporation of these habits into your lifestyle can be further amplified by visiting your dentist in Leawood semi-annually for preventive care, which differs from periodontal maintenance in that the focus is on cleaning your teeth and assessing your oral health as a whole. By being proactive, you can enjoy excellent dental wellness for years to come. To get on the road to recovery, reach out to us today to request an appointment!