Have you noticed your gums bleeding when you brush or floss? Perhaps they appear red and swollen, or you’ve been experiencing persistent bad breath? These could be early warning signs of gum disease, a condition that affects millions of people yet often goes undiagnosed until it becomes serious.
At Dorion & Associates, we understand that gum health is the foundation of your overall oral wellness. That’s why we’re passionate about educating our patients about one of the most effective treatments for gum disease: scaling and root planing.
Gum disease, medically known as periodontal disease, begins as a bacterial infection affecting the tissues that support your teeth. It typically starts with gingivitis—characterized by red, swollen, or bleeding gums. While this might seem like a minor inconvenience, left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, leading to bone loss, loose teeth, and ultimately tooth loss.
The good news? Gum disease is entirely preventable and highly treatable when caught early. This is where scaling and root planing becomes your smile’s best friend.
Think of scaling and root planing as the “deep clean” your mouth has been craving. This non-surgical procedure goes far beyond your regular dental cleaning, targeting the hidden areas where harmful bacteria love to hide—below your gum line.
Our skilled dental professionals at Dorion & Associates use this two-step process to restore your gum health:
Using specialized instruments, we meticulously remove plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) from your teeth surfaces, extending deep into the pockets that form between your gums and teeth. This step eliminates the harmful bacteria that are causing inflammation and damage to your gum tissue.
After scaling, we smooth the roots of your teeth. This is crucial because rough root surfaces provide perfect hiding spots for bacteria and make it difficult for your gums to reattach properly. By creating smooth root surfaces, we help your gums heal and re-establish a healthy connection to your teeth, preventing future plaque buildup.
We know the thought of a “deep cleaning” might feel intimidating. That’s why at Dorion & Associates, we prioritize your comfort throughout every procedure. We typically use local anesthesia to ensure you’re comfortable during treatment. For patients with dental anxiety, we also offer oral sedation and IV moderate conscious sedation options to help you feel completely at ease.
You might experience some mild tenderness or sensitivity for a few days following treatment, which can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Our team will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions to ensure optimal healing.
This essential treatment offers remarkable benefits for your oral health:
At Dorion & Associates, scaling and root planing is just one part of our comprehensive gum health services. As a practice that combines general dentistry with specialist periodontal care, we offer:
What sets us apart is our unique combination of expertise and personalized care. Unlike many dental offices that refer patients to various specialists, our dentists directly perform nearly all needed work in-house. This means:
Our patients consistently praise our professional, skilled approach and the fact that we never rush through treatments. We believe in taking the time to ensure optimal outcomes and your complete comfort.
Gum disease rarely improves on its own and often worsens without professional intervention. The earlier we catch and treat it, the better your outcomes will be. If you’re experiencing any signs of gum disease—bleeding, swelling, tenderness, or persistent bad breath—don’t wait.
Take the first step toward healthier gums today. Schedule your consultation with Dorion & Associates and discover how scaling and root planing can transform your oral health. Our friendly, customer-oriented staff is ready to help you achieve the healthy, confident smile you deserve.
Remember, investing in your gum health today means protecting your smile for years to come. Your gums—and your overall health—will thank you.