What Is Scaling and Root Planing?
Taking care of your gums is a simple but effective way to manage gum disease and keep your mouth and body healthy. Scaling and root planing, also known as periodontal scaling and root planing or a "deep cleaning", is a nonsurgical gum disease treatment. It targets plaque, tartar, and harmful bacteria under the gumline. These bacteria can cause inflammation and infection, which leads to gum disease. When gum disease is caught early (gingivitis), it can often be treated with regular dental cleanings. However, if the disease progresses to periodontitis, or bone loss, a more advanced stage, scaling and root planing becomes necessary. This process promotes healing and helps reverse the effects of gum disease, creating a healthier foundation for your smile. If you're noticing signs of gum disease, such as bleeding gums, bad breath, or gum recession, it's time to consider a consultation for scaling and root planing at our Columbia, MD practice.
How Does Scaling and Root Planing Work?
UMG Family Dentistry employs the latest tools and techniques to make your experience as comfortable as possible. The scaling and root planing procedure is typically done in 1 – 4 sessions, depending on the severity of the gum disease and how much of the area needs to be treated. Before starting, we'll numb the area with a mild anesthetic to ensure your comfort. For patients who feel anxious, we also offer sedation options. Once you're comfortable, our skilled dental hygienists will use an advanced scaler and handheld instruments to gently remove plaque and tartar buildup from deep inside the gum pockets. The root planing part of the procedure smooths the tooth roots, which reduces the places where bacteria can hide and allows the gums to reattach more easily to the teeth. In some cases, a topical antibiotic may be applied to further control bacteria and support healing after the treatment. Patients may undergo scaling and root planing before extraction, especially if gum disease has weakened the surrounding teeth. In these situations, the deep cleaning helps control infection and inflammation, setting the stage for a smoother extraction if necessary.
What Are the Benefits of Scaling and Root Planing?
Once our team completes the scaling and root planing procedure, you'll start to see significant improvements in your oral health. This treatment stops gum disease in its tracks and restores a healthier environment in your mouth. Columbia, MD-area patients at UMG Family Dentistry struggling with gum disease benefit immensely from scaling and root planing, which offer the following advantages:
- Prevents gum disease from worsening, helping you avoid more invasive treatments
- Reduces bad breath by eliminating bacteria that cause odor
- Lowers the risk of health complications associated with gum disease, such as heart disease and diabetes
- Prevents cavities from forming
- Removes hardened plaque (tartar) and brightens your teeth for a cleaner, healthier appearance
- Protects against tooth loss by preventing further bone and gum damage
- Improves overall oral health by directly tackling periodontal disease and promoting gum healing
UMG Family Dentistry Reviews
Compassionate and Knowledgable! - I’ve never been more impressed with a dentist than I am with Dr. Lady Ung at UMG Family Dentistry! She has an incredible ability to make even the most nervous patients feel at ease. Her gentle and compassionate approach, combined with her deep knowledge in both general and holistic dentistry, is unmatched.Dr. Ung took the time to thoroughly explain my treatment options and answered all of my questions with patience and care. The office is new, modern and welcoming, and her staff is equally amazing – everyone is kind, efficient, and professional. It’s clear that Dr. Ung is passionate about providing the highest level of care, and it truly shows in every aspect of her practice.I highly recommend her to anyone looking for a dentist who genuinely cares about their patients' well-being. My entire experience was outstanding!
Exceptional Care and Expertise – Best Dentist in C - I had an exceptional experience with Dr. Lady Ung at UMG Family Dentistry in Columbia, Maryland! From the moment I walked in, I felt welcomed and at ease. Dr. Ung is not only highly skilled and knowledgeable, but she also takes the time to listen and explain every step of the process, ensuring that I was comfortable throughout my visit. Her expertise in both traditional and holistic dental care gave me confidence that I was receiving the best care possible.The entire staff is friendly and professional, and the office environment is warm and inviting. Dr. Ung's genuine care for her patients truly shines through, and I couldn’t be happier with my treatment. I highly recommend Dr. Ung for anyone looking for top-notch dental care. My family and I are grateful to have found such a wonderful dentist!
Dr. Ung is the best - I have been a patient of Dr. Ung’s for many years. My family and I have followed her from different clinics she has worked. I am really excited she now has her own practice. What makes Dr. Ung so great is she is funny, kind, but also serious about your oral health. She explains everything well and shows you where and how issues are arising and what strategies can be done to help. Dr. Ung has performed a lot of procedures on me and actually corrected previous dentists work! I am very happy with Dr. Ung and look forward to continuing to receive care from her practice.
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Treat Gum Disease and Protect Your Smile
At UMG Family Dentistry, we're committed to helping you achieve optimal oral health through personalized care. Scaling and root planing are effective ways to treat gum disease and protect your smile from long-term damage. Contact our Columbia, MD practice to book an appointment. Learn more about how periodontal scaling and root planing can benefit you and help you maintain a healthier, happier smile.