Hand Scaling, Prophy and Soft Tissue Laser

Keeping your teeth and gums healthy is vital for overall health. If you have a pet you’ve likely heard from your vet they must have their teeth cleaned professionally or risk nasty complications down the road. We are huge believers in preventive care, professional and at home. For our adult patients we’ll plan on 45 -60 minute visit—giving our hygienist the time to evaluate your teeth, and gums, hand scaling around all gum tissues, and using an ultrasonic scaler when necessary. We are also believe in the benefit of laser therapy, a painless and non-invasive therapy that provides short and long term protection from bacteria. We use Biolase-a soft tissue laser that delivers deep laser ligtht therapy easily and comfortably to restore health of your gum tissues. Laser therapy is incredibly effective and protective— preventing bigger issues down the road. 

Scaling and Root Planing

This involves thoroughly scaling all plaque, bacterial toxins and tartar deposits from your teeth and root surfaces; and then root planing, which smoothes all rough areas on your roots’ surfaces. Smooth root surfaces keep bacteria, plaque and tartar from re-adhering underneath the gum line, allowing your gums to heal and reattach themselves more firmly. 

After the Procedure

At a follow-up visit, we’ll want to check on the healing of your gums and the status of pocketing. The good news is that in most cases, red or swollen gum tissue becomes firm and pink again, bleeding is reduced or eliminated and pockets get smaller. If your gum tissue has responded well and remains stable, you may not need any further treatment. More advanced periodontal conditions, on the other hand, may require surgical interventions by a periodontist after root planing and scaling to stop the progression of bone loss. However, your scaling and root planing treatment often lessens the amount of surgery you might need. After treatment, whether it’s surgical or nonsurgical, your dentist may want to put you on a schedule of maintenance visits.  These maintenance visits consist of routine cleanings and the careful examination of your gum tissue, as well as measurements of your pocket depths and gum recession.