Scaling and Root Planing Temple Hills, MD

At our MINT dentistry office in Temple Hills, MD, our goal is to assist patients of all ages and backgrounds in attaining a healthy, beautiful smile that lasts. To that end, we recommend regular checkups and dental cleanings to head off any dental problems before they progress too much; however, if you develop symptoms of gum problems, you may need more than a regular cleaning. MINT dentistry uses modern equipment and techniques to help stop the advancement of gum disease through SRP, or scaling and root planing therapy. SRP is a simple option provided by our MINT dentistry team to clean out tartar and plaque deposits that have accumulated below the gumline, within the spaces that separate your teeth and gums. This treatment is designed to help minimize periodontal infection, heal your gum tissues, and improve the health of your gums. If you notice symptoms of gum disease, make an appointment for an exam and consultation at our modern practice in Temple Hills, MD. Whether your mouth is already healthy or you have signs of gum disease, we will help you achieve a sexy, attractive smile with professional, personalized care.

As periodontal disease develops, harmful oral bacteria that grow in plaque and tartar deposits begin to break down the jawbone and cause the soft tissues in the mouth to separate from the teeth. At your annual exam, one of our skilled MINT dental professionals will check the depths of your gum pockets and capture dental x-rays to examine the health of the bone supporting your teeth. If the depths are three millimeters or greater and we can see the breakdown of bone tissue on your radiographs, scaling and root planing treatment may be recommended. The first signs of periodontitis are chronic bad breath, tooth mobility, and gums that are swollen, tender, have started to become red, bleed easily, or recede. When gum disease is diagnosed in the earliest stage, SRP can minimize these symptoms, but if gum disease has developed into later stages (advanced periodontitis) you might need another treatment to improve your periodontal health.

Our MINT dentistry office in Temple Hills, MD conducts SRP treatment (deep periodontal cleaning), numbing the gums with local anesthesia to ensure your comfort. Your team of MINT dental professionals may also recommend one of our sedation dentistry techniques if you feel anxious or stressed about having this procedure. At the start of your appointment, we'll ask you to sit back and relax in a comfortable treatment chair. After selecting your choice of music and putting on a pair of our Beats headphones, we'll give you MINT sunglasses to shield your eyes from our lights and help you feel at ease. When you've been prepped, one of our experienced dental professionals will use hand and ultrasonic instruments to clear away the plaque and tartar deposits from below the gumline. We will then skillfully smooth or plane the surfaces of the teeth. Developing a healthy, smooth surface helps the gumline to grow back against the teeth and removes some of the locations where destructive tartar and plaque can thrive.

Once your scaling and root planing appointment is finished, you'll experience some numbness in your mouth for a few hours until the local anesthesia has a chance to wear off. You'll also likely experience gum tenderness and sensitivity in your teeth for a day or two. Our MINT dentistry practitioners will provide you with tips on how to care for your mouth during the healing phase. It is essential to adhere to a thorough oral hygiene routine at home on a daily basis, including flossing and brushing at least twice a day, to keep your mouth healthy. Our Temple Hills, MD dentists might recommend a periodontal maintenance program to help inhibit periodontal disease and prevent active periodontal conditions from arising. Taking place 3 – 4 times a year, periodontal maintenance visits replace biannual dental cleanings and enable our team to closely track the condition of your jawbone and gums.

Dental insurance policies typically cover at least some of the cost for treatments like SRP that combat gum disease. If you have dental insurance, we will reach out to your insurance company to determine the specific coverage of your policy and then calculate your out-of-pocket costs. If you do not have insurance, MINT dentistry in Temple Hills, MD is devoted to making necessary oral health treatments affordable by accepting many different methods of payment, including low-interest medical financing, which can be discussed during your consultation. Ask a team member how you can get healthy teeth with the MINT Discount Plan, our in-office program to make it easier to afford the treatments you need.

Gum disease can seriously impact your oral health and keep you from having a truly gorgeous smile. If periodontal disease is detected before it's too far along, it can usually be addressed with SRP therapy. Please contact MINT dentistry in Temple Hills, MD to learn more about gum disease treatments and to schedule your consultation. Our team of dental health professionals will work to restore your gums and help you show off sexy teeth.