Scaling and Root Planing
Periodontics Presentation
To provide you with a better understanding of periodontics, we have provided the following multimedia presentation. Many common questions pertaining to periodontics are discussed.
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Tartar Deposits
The initial stage of treatment is usually a thorough cleaning that may include scaling to remove plaque and tartar deposits beneath the gum line.
The tooth roots may also be planed to smooth the root surface allowing the gum tissue to heal and reattach to the tooth. In some cases, the occlusion (bite) may require adjustment.
When deep pockets between teeth and gums are present, it is difficult for Dr. Van den Berg to thoroughly remove plaque and tartar. Patients can seldom, if ever, keep these pockets clean and free of plaque. Consequently, surgery may be needed to restore periodontal health.
After scaling and root planing, many patients do not require any further active treatment, including surgical therapy. However, the majority of patients will require ongoing maintenance therapy to sustain health. Non-surgical therapy does have its limitations, however, and when it does not achieve periodontal health, surgery may be indicated to restore periodontal anatomy damaged by periodontal diseases and to facilitate oral hygiene practices.
Systemic Antibiotics
Tartar Deposits
In some cases, systemic antibiotics (antibiotics taken orally) are prescribed at time of scaling root planning procedures. Antibiotics are drugs that fight infections caused by bacteria.
Local Delivery of Antimicrobials
Local delivery antimicrobials are medications that are delivered directly into the periodontal pockets to suppress or eradicate periodontal bacteria.
Occlusal (Bite) Adjustment
A bite is considered to be healthy when all or most of the teeth are present and not destroyed by normal daily usage.
It is destructive when teeth show wear, looseness or when TMJ (jaw joint) damage is seen. Bite therapy helps restore a bite that can function without damage and destruction. The therapy may include:
- Reshaping the biting surfaces of the teeth and eliminating spots of excessive pressures where the teeth are brought into contact. This is done by carefully dividing bite pressures evenly across all of the teeth.
- Bite splint therapy using a custom fitted and adjusted plastic bite guard to decrease excessive pressure on the teeth during the day, night or both.
- Braces, to reposition mal-aligned or drifted teeth.
- Replacement of old, worn out or damaged fillings.
- Reconstruction of badly worn and damaged teeth
Periodontics Overview
For a brief narrated overview of periodontics, please click the image on the right. It will launch our flash educational MiniModule in a separate window that may answer some of your questions about periodontics.
Having trouble? Please make sure you have version 7 of the Flash browser plugin in order to correctly view this presentation. This software is available as a free download.