Restore Oral Health with Scaling and Root Planing
Gum disease can cause unpleasant symptoms like swollen gums and bad breath. Early stages of gum disease can be treated with dental cleanings and improved oral hygiene. However, once it develops into the more serious form of periodontitis, a safe and non-surgical treatment called scaling and root planing may be needed to restore oral health. Patients in Sterling, VA, and nearby Reston and Ashburn have trusted Dr. E. Richard Hughes to treat dental problems like gum disease for more than 20 years.
Benefits of Scaling and Root Planing
In addition to reversing symptoms associated with gum disease, this outpatient procedure also prevents more serious dental problems, such as gum tissue recession, the exposure of tooth roots, cavities, and even and tooth loss.
Once patients undergo this straightforward procedure at our Sterling dental practice, they can benefit from:
- Elimination of bad breath (halitosis)
- Prevention of tooth loss
- Reduced or eliminated oral pain
- Lower risk for developing tooth decay
- Longterm treatment cost-savings
- A more beautiful smile
Scaling and root planing can have cosmetic benefits as well as restorative benefits. The health of our gums is often apparent to others when we smile. Gum disease can cause undesirable symptoms like swollen or bleeding gums. After completing your deep cleaning at our Sterling dental practice, you can benefit from a more attractive smile.
Are You a Candidate?
Adults who are suffering from mild to moderate levels of gum disease are good candidates for scaling and root planing. During your examination at our Sterling dental practice, Dr. Hughes will look for symptoms of gum disease, which include bleeding gums, oral discomfort, bad breath, tooth loss, gum tissue recession, and deep gum tissue pockets.
Dr. Hughes may also inquire if you have certain risk factors for gum disease, such as:
- Diabetes
- Tobacco use
- Infrequent dental cleanings
- Poor oral hygiene habits
- Advanced age
- Use of certain medications
What to Expect during Your Appointment
Dr. Hughes or a skilled member of our dental team can complete your deep cleaning in under an hour at our Sterling dental practice. Deep cleanings are performed using local anesthesia. Patients who have difficulty sitting still or who suffer from dental phobia can benefit from either nitrous oxide or oral conscious sedation.
Dr. Hughes or a skilled member of our dental team can complete your deep cleaning in under an hour…
Once you are comfortable, a member of our team will use a special metal tool to gently remove calcified tartar from the surface of your teeth. These areas of hardened food particles attract the bacteria that cause tooth decay. Once the surface of your teeth has been thoroughly cleaned, a process known as root planing will be used to smooth the surface of your roots so that bacteria cannot easily reestablish a foothold. In some cases, a topical antibiotic can be applied, as well. The final step involves using a rotary tool to polish the surface of your teeth.
Depending on the severity of your symptoms, you may need to schedule a follow-up visit in the weeks following your initial scaling and root planing.
Schedule Your Deep Cleaning Today
Most of our patients experience fully restored oral health following this straightforward procedure. To schedule your next visit to see Dr. Hughes, please contact our office online or call (703) 444-1152.
