One of the main components of non-surgical periodontal therapy with Dr. Azra Saleem is a procedure referred to as Scaling and Root Planing. Scaling and Root Planing is a meticulous cleaning of the root surface below the gum line to remove plaque, toxins, tartar, and stains, which can cause inflammation to the gum tissue and surrounding bone. This procedure is more intensive than a routine general cleaning and an important part of stopping the progression of periodontal disease, especially once deeper pockets have formed in the gums. Scaling and root planing is one of the most effective periodontal methods of treating gum disease before it becomes severe. With gum disease, pockets form that are deeper than usual, so this kind of scaling and root planing are often referred to as deep cleaning. This deep cleaning may be performed by our
Northford family dentist using a number of dental tools, including ultrasonic instruments and hand instruments, such as periodontal scalers and curettes. Always with your comfort in mind, Dr. Saleem will numb the area prior to your treatment.
Periodontal Therapy Northford CT
Research has consistently demonstrated that scaling and root planing greatly reduces inflammation of the gums, reduces "pocket" depths and shifts the bacteria living in these pockets from those associated with disease to those associated with health. Bearing that research in mind, scaling and root planing is usually the first mode of treatment recommended by your local
Northford dentist, Dr. Saleem, for treating periodontitis. In addition to scaling and root planing, antibiotics may be used in pill form or locally administered into the pockets. Antibiotics are drugs that fight infections caused by bacteria and Dr. Saleem will advise you that each time you take an antibiotic you increase your chance of developing drug resistant bacteria, so it is important to take antibiotics only when necessary.
With or without antibiotics, it’s important to remember that there are limitations to the success of scaling and root planing in controlling and preventing the spread of periodontal disease. When scaling and root planing alone cannot control this gum disease, our
Northford family dentist may recommend more advanced and invasive periodontal procedures. These procedures are aimed at reducing the periodontal pocketing and sometimes includes procedures focusing on regeneration of the bone and supporting structures that have been lost to the periodontal disease.
At the dental practice of Dr. Azra Saleem located near Northford, Connecticut, state-of-the-art equipment is used to offer you the best treatment results from your periodontal therapy. We pride ourselves on always accomplishing our goal of helping you enjoy a healthy smile.
By Dr. Azra Saleem
March 21, 2013
