Scaling and Root Planing Treatment
If you are struggling with the symptoms of gingivitis or periodontal gum disease, it’s vital to get the problem under control. The bacteria that cause these problems are very aggressive, and it can cause problems including painful chewing, bleeding gums, a change in how teeth fit together and even pus between the gums and teeth, not to mention chronic bad breath. If left untreated, gum disease could even cause you to lose your teeth. If you come in to the William J. Holevas D.D.S. LTD office, Dr. Holevas will use whatever treatment will yield you the best results and fits into both your budget and your comfort level. The laser-assisted SRP therapy, or so-called deep cleaning, may be something that he recommends for you. SRP stands for scaling and root planing.
Laser-Assisted SRP Therapy Process for Patients
As we consider scaling and root planing for our patients, the first step is to determine the extent of the gum disease problem. We’ll look at your gums using a small ruler to check for swelling and inflammation, and we’ll look for any pockets around your teeth. In some cases, we may also check for bone loss using an X-ray.
Depending on what we discover, treatment options could include simply improving your hygiene routine while using specialized toothpaste. In more severe cases, we might recommend scaling and root planing.
What Happens during SRP Therapy Treatment?
Right in our office, the laser-assisted SRP therapy procedure is done comfortably with topical anesthetic or local anesthetic. We will clean under the gum line of your teeth & root surfaces. This will remove the hardened plaque that is causing infection. More and more dentists are using advanced dental lasers as an adjunct to traditional laser-assisted SRP therapy. If your laser-assisted SRP therapy is a success, Dr. Holevas may move you back to the maintenance program at an interval that will help you stay infection free.
In some cases, teeth scaling and root planing will include antibiotic fibers, which we will insert into the space between your gums and teeth. This may help with healing and prevent infection from spreading.
If you maintain optimal oral hygiene following your laser-assisted SRP therapy procedure, your gum disease will stop progressing. We will also recommend stopping all use of tobacco, including cigarettes and chewing tobacco. Other risk factors for gingivitis and periodontal disease include diabetes, some medications, compromised immunity, pregnancy and genetics. Poorly fitting dental appliances, broken fillings and crooked teeth can also lead to problems, and we are happy to help correct those problems so after laser-assisted SRP therapy you can keep your gingivitis under control.
Our Focus on Patient Care
Dr. Holevas gives all of his patients’ personal attention and the highest-quality care available. He and his team always work in conjunction with what you need, what you want, and what is best for your teeth and your total health. Call us today to set up an appointment so that together, we can treat your gum disease and restore your total health.
