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  • About
    • Meet Dr. Ficca
    • Meet Dr. Hall
    • Meet Our Team
    • Our Practice
    • When to See a Periodontist
    • What Is a Periodontist?
    • Blog
  • Dental Implants
    • Dental Implants
    • All on 4 Dental Implants
    • Teeth Implants (Teeth in a Day)
    • Same-Day Dental Implants
    • Dentures vs. Dental Implants
    • Peri Implantitis
    • FAQs
      • Guide to Eating After Dental Implants
      • Questions to Ask About Dental Implants
      • How Dental Implants Work: The Benefits
  • Procedures
    • Cleanings & Prevention
      • Overview
      • Dental Exams & Cleanings
      • Digital X-Rays
      • Fluoride Treatment
      • Home Dental Care
      • How to Properly Brush & Floss
      • i-CAT® 3D Imaging
      • Oral Hygiene Aids
      • Panoramic X-Rays
    • Periodontal Disease
      • Periodontal Disease Overview
      • Periodontal Disease Treatment
      • Mouth – Body Connection
      • Periodontal Disease and Diabetes
      • Periodontal Disease, Heart Disease, and Stroke
      • Periodontal Disease and Pregnancy
      • Periodontal Disease and Osteoporosis
      • Periodontal Disease and Respiratory Disease
    • Periodontics
      • Periodontist
      • Bone Grafting
      • Crown Lengthening
      • Gingivitis Treatment
      • Gum & Jawbone Corrective Treatments
      • Gum Grafting
      • Gum Recession Treatment
      • Oral Pathology
      • Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)
      • Impacted Canines
      • Simple Tooth Extractions
      • Antibiotic Treatment
      • Bruxism
      • Oral Cancer Exam
      • Periodontal Scaling & Root Planing
      • Pocket Irrigation
      • Pocket Reduction Surgery
      • Prophylaxis (Teeth Cleaning)
      • Regenerative Procedures
      • Ridge Modification
      • Root Amputation
      • Sinus Augmentation
      • Soft Tissue Grafting
    • Gum Disease Treatment
    • Dental Anxiety and Fear
    • Sedation Dentistry
    • All Procedures
  • Galleries
    • Dental Implants
    • Soft Tissue Grafting
    • Crown Lengthening
    • Gingivectomy
  • Patient Info
    • Patient Resources
    • Patient Reviews
    • Patient Forms
    • Patient FAQ’s
    • Newsletter
    • Helpful Links
    • Also Serving
      • Dental Implants Matthews, NC
      • Dental Implants Pineville, NC
      • Dental Implants Indian Trail, NC
      • Dental Implants Monroe, NC
      • Dental Implants Fort Mill, SC
  • Referring Doctors
  • Contact
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Periodontal Scaling & Root Planing Charlotte, NC

You are here: Home / Procedures / Periodontal Scaling & Root Planing

The objective of scaling and root planing is to remove etiologic agents which cause inflammation to the gingival (gum) tissue and surrounding bone. Common etiologic agents removed by this conventional periodontal therapy include dental plaque and tartar (calculus).

These non-surgical procedures which completely cleanse the periodontium, work very effectively for individuals suffering from gingivitis (mild gum inflammation) and moderate/severe periodontal disease.

Reasons for Scaling and Root Planing

Scaling and root planing can be used both as a preventative measure and as a stand-alone treatment. These procedures are performed as a preventative measure for a periodontitis sufferer.

Here are some reasons why these dental procedures may be necessary:

  • Disease prevention – The oral bacteria which cause periodontal infections can travel via the bloodstream to other parts of the body. Research has shown that lung infections and heart disease have been linked to periodontal bacteria. Scaling and root planing remove bacteria and halts periodontal disease from progressing, thus preventing the bacteria from traveling to other parts of the body.
  • Tooth protection – When gum pockets exceed 3mm in depth, there is a greater risk of periodontal disease. As pockets deepen, they tend to house more colonies of dangerous bacteria. Eventually, a chronic inflammatory response by the body begins to destroy gingival and bone tissue which may lead to tooth loss. Periodontal disease is the number one cause of tooth loss in the developed world.
  • Aesthetic effects – Scaling and root planing help remove tartar and plaque from the teeth and below the gumline. As an added bonus, if superficial stains are present on the teeth, they will be removed in the process of the scaling and root planing procedure.
  • Better breath – One of the most common signs of periodontal disease is halitosis (bad breath). Food particles and bacteria can cause a persistent bad odor in the oral cavity which is alleviated with cleaning procedures such as scaling and root planing.
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What Do sScaling and Root Planing Treatments Involve?

Scaling and root planing treatments are only performed after a thorough examination of the mouth. The dentist will take X-rays, conduct visual examinations and make a diagnosis before recommending or beginning these procedures.

Depending on the current condition of the gums, the amount of calculus (tartar) present, the depth of the pockets and the progression of the periodontitis, local anesthetic may be used.

  • Scaling – This procedure is usually performed with special dental instruments and may include an ultrasonic scaling tool. The scaling tool removes calculus and plaque from the surface of the crown and root surfaces. In many cases, the scaling tool includes an irrigation process that can also be used to deliver an antimicrobial agent below the gums that can help reduce oral bacteria.
  • Root Planing – This procedure is a specific treatment which serves to remove cementum and surface dentin that is embedded with unwanted microorganisms, toxins and tartar. The root of the tooth is literally smoothed in order to promote good healing. Having clean, smooth root surfaces helps bacteria from easily colonizing in future.

Following these deep cleaning procedures, the gum pockets may be treated with antibiotics. This will soothe irritation and help the gum tissues to heal quickly.

During the next appointment, the dentist or hygienist will thoroughly examine the gums again to see how well the pockets have healed. If the gum pockets still measure more than 3mm in depth, additional and more intensive treatments may be recommended.

If you have any concerns or questions about scaling and root planing, or periodontal disease, please call our office in Charlotte at (704) 544-2224.

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Matthew D. Ficca, DMD, MSDMeet Dr. Ficca
Daniel Hall, DMD, MSDMeet Dr. Hall

“Excellent! The staff, doctor Ficca, and everyone I dealt with here was wonderful. I felt they went above and beyond in every aspect and I highly recommend.”

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Specializing in Dental Implants and Periodontal Health in Charlotte, NC

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At Metrolina Periodontics & Dental Implants in Charlotte, NC, our skilled team, including board-certified periodontist Dr. Ficca and specialist periodontist Dr. Hall, provides comprehensive dental implant placement and periodontal care. We offer a full range of services, from dental implants for tooth loss to the prevention and treatment of gum disease. We are committed to providing personalized oral care and the highest standard of excellence in periodontics.

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(704) 544-2224
Address
3325 Springbank Lane
Suite 140
Charlotte, NC 28226
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