Periodontist San Diego
If the disease is discovered at the early stages of gingivitis, and no damage has occurred, at Mesa Dental we recommend one or two regular cleanings. You will also be given some suggestions to improve your daily hygiene habits and having regular dental cleanings.
If the disease has reached to more advanced stages, a special periodontal cleaning called scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) is recommended. This process is applied at one quadrant of the mouth at a time while the area is numb. In this procedure tartar, plaque and toxins are removed from above and below the gum line (scaling) and rough spots on the root surfaces are made smooth (planing). This procedure helps gum tissue to heal and pockets to shrink. Medications, special medicated mouth rinses and an electric tooth brush may be recommended to help control infection and healing.
If the pockets do not heal after scaling and root planing periodontal surgery may be needed to reduce pocket depths making teeth easier to clean. Your dentist may also recommend you visit a periodontal specialist of the gums and supporting bone.