How is Scaling and Root Planning carried out?

Scaling and root planning is a common and effective non-invasive treatment for patients suffering from periodontal disease. Your dentist will use a specialised instrument to remove the bacteria and infection from the unhealthy deep pockets around your teeth below the gum line (this is often referred to as “deep cleaning.”)

Firstly, the tooth is scaled to remove the plaque and tarter that has accumulated on its surface, then the root is planned or smoothed. This eliminates any rough areas that can easily trap plaque and bacteria. A smooth clean root provides a healthy environment and allows the gums to heal naturally and re-attach to the tooth. This in turn, creates a reduced ‘’pocket’’ around the tooth eliminating areas where bacteria can accumulate and cause  further disease.

Scaling and root planning should be combined with a good daily home care routine and more frequent periodontal check-ups to maintain your gum health and smile.

How is Pocket reduction surgery carried out?

Normal, healthy gums usually have small pockets around each tooth. When bacteria and debris are allowed to accumulate through poor oral hygiene, infections associated with gum disease (periodontitis) causes these pockets to become deeper thus trapping even more bacteria which can cause bleeding, redness and bad breath.

When the pockets become too deep for scaling and root planning, a Pocket Depth Reduction procedure is often a solution. During a Pocket Depth Reduction procedure, we can remove the disease-causing bacteria and infection and we will then thoroughly clean and smooth the tooth surfaces. If necessary, we sometimes reshape the gum and bone to allow the gums to settle nicely. This will allow the gums to heal, resulting in smaller, healthier pockets.

What aftercare is required?

Periodontal (Gum) Disease is a chronic problem, much like diabetes and so, must be controlled through regular periodontal maintenance and hygiene sessions.  The frequency of appointments required will vary from case to case, but typically, periodontal cleaning sessions are recommended more often than that of patients with healthy gums which is every 6 months). At LPID we understand that life can be busy and our dedicated patient care team are on hand to help coordinate the best schedule for you.

If you would like to find out more about Treatments for Gum Disease at LPID please contact us on: 0207 563 9989

Repair (Regrowth) of Lost Bone Around Teeth

Damage caused by periodontal disease can result in severe loss of the gum and bone surrounding your teeth causing them to become loose or shift position. To correct this, a Bone and tissue regeneration procedure may be necessary to reverse this loss and save your teeth.

Before                                                                    After

Peri-Implantitis Treatment

Similarly to natural teeth, implants to can develop gum disease. In order to prevent ”peri-implantitis,” it is essential that a good hygiene routine is established at home, and combined with regular hygiene visits. If you notice bleeding, or you have difficulty cleaning your implants, if you smoke, or your implants are more that 5 old, you should consider booking an appointment to see a periodontal specialist as it is far better to treat any signs of gum infection early to prevent future bone loss.