Overview
If you have developed symptoms of gum (periodontal) disease, a regular cleaning might not be sufficient enough. The earliest stage of gum disease, gingivitis, is usually treated with scaling and root planing (SRP). This is a nonsurgical procedure performed by our board-certified Dental Health team to help eliminate gum disease by removing built-up plaque and tartar from the gumline. Using special tools, an SRP treatment cleans out the gum pockets then smoothes the teeth to prevent future buildup. If you are concerned about your gums, learn more about scaling and root planing at Dental Health in Brattleboro, VT.
Best Candidates
During your dental exam, a member of the Dental Health team will check the depth of your gum pockets. If the pockets, also known as sulcus, are greater than three millimeters, a scaling and root planing treatment may be recommended. SRP helps to reduce the size of your gum pockets so plaque and bacteria cannot collect in this area, which leads to the first stage of gum disease (gingivitis). Some of the early symptoms of gum disease are chronic bad breath, loose teeth, as well as gums that are swollen, tender, bleed easily, appear red, or are receding. If gum disease is caught early, one or more SRP treatments can reverse symptoms; however, if gum disease has progressed to later stages (periodontitis or advanced periodontitis), then you may require more extensive treatments.
What To Expect
Scaling and root planing is a deep periodontal cleaning that can be performed in our office with local anesthesia to numb the areas being treated. We may also recommend one of our sedation dentistry techniques if you feel anxious about having this procedure. Our team will use a scaling instrument to clean out built-up plaque and tartar in your gum pockets. We will then smooth or plane the exterior of the tooth to reduce the number of areas where plaque and tartar can become trapped to prevent future buildup.
Dental Health Reviews
Excellent dentist. Compassionate and caring. Everything explained well and she's highly skilled.
Our family has been coming here for almost 6 years. My oldest daughter was so nervous to go to the dentist for the first time and they went above and beyond to help her feel comfortable. We had the option to switch dentists due to our new insurance, but due to how comfortable they helped my young daughter feel we chose to stay with them. We now have three daughters and all three love going to the dentist. A very positive experience!
I initially picked this place because it is literally on the one road I must use to get anywhere from my apartment (I live in a very rural area). I could not have been luckier with my choice. Of course dentists get a bad rap in general because well, who enjoys having another persons hands in their mouth much less with the very real potential for sharp objects and tiny power tools to be used as part of the process? My random decision based entirely on convenience of location has resulted in the discovery of a care provider that easily exceeds not only my expectations but also surpasses with ease every other dental experience I have had in my 52 years on this planet. Every aspect of the care I’ve received here is nothing short of exceptional. They are genuinely friendly and undoubtedly skilled. The entire experience from reception to the dreaded chair and back is without a doubt superior to every other dental practice I have encountered. In a field where the potential for opportunistic behavior is ripe, the staff here is nothing but genuine, thoughtful, and professional. I regularly tell people how lucky I feel to have ended up with the best oral care I’ve ever had as a result of a random decision that was based entirely on convenience. I literally can not state how grateful I am to be a patient here and I would dare say that I look forward to my appointments. Hands down the best oral care I’ve ever received and I’m picky about my teeth .
Friendly , efficient , professional service All appointments and procedures have been done with skill and care. Well done!!
Kind, thorough, efficient, compassionate dental care.
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Average Rating
Recovery
After your SRP treatment, you may experience increased gum and tooth sensitivity, as well as some numbness from the local anesthetic. We may prescribe antibiotics to help eliminate any remaining bacteria from your gums. You should follow a good oral care routine at home, including proper brushing and flossing, to keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy. You should also schedule annual dental exams so our team can assess the health of your gums and teeth, plus bi-annual appointments to have your mouth professionally cleaned. Depending on the original condition of your gums and your home care after an SRP treatment, you may need more SRP treatments to fully restore your oral health.
Insurance Coverage
Scaling and root planing is a common procedure for the treatment of gum disease that is usually covered in part by dental insurance. We can contact your carrier to determine your coverage and personal costs. If you do not have dental insurance, Dental Health accepts many payment methods, including medical financing that can be discussed during your consultation.
Scaling and Root Planing
Gum disease can become painful and dangerous to your health, so if you are experiencing symptoms, please schedule an exam with our team at our office in Brattleboro, VT. The earliest stage of gum disease, gingivitis, is usually treated with a simple scaling and root planing treatment at our family dental practice. Please contact us to schedule an appointment or to get more information.