Treatment for Periodontitis and Gum Disease
Why Would You Need Scaling and Root Planing?
Periodontitis, a chronic form of gum disease, originates from plaque, a bacterial film that adheres continuously to tooth surfaces. When oral hygiene is insufficient to remove this film, the bacteria within it can calcify into tartar and trigger inflammation of the surrounding gum tissue. Without treatment, this inflammatory process causes the gums to recede from the teeth, forming progressively deeper pockets that allow bacterial populations to accumulate further.
Once periodontitis has developed, plaque and tartar deposits typically become too extensive to address through routine brushing and flossing alone, and the condition carries a risk of bone and tooth loss. For patients with this diagnosis, Dr. Khatibian recommends scaling and root planing as a course of treatment.
What Is Scaling and Root Planing Treatment?
Scaling and root planing is a two-part procedure used to address periodontitis. During the scaling component, Dr. Khatibian removes plaque and tartar deposits from both above and below the gumline, extending the cleaning down to the base of the periodontal pocket.
Root planing constitutes the second phase of treatment, carried out by Dr. Khatibian to smooth the surfaces of the tooth roots. This smoothing serves two purposes: it supports gum tissue in reattaching to the roots, and it reduces the likelihood of bacteria, plaque, and tartar accumulating again beneath the gumline. Depending on the extent of treatment needed, completing this process may require more than one appointment to ensure the teeth are thoroughly clean and healthy.
Aftercare Tips
At follow-up appointments with Dr. Khatibian, the condition of your teeth and gums will be evaluated to assess how healing has progressed. Patients who presented with red or swollen gums often find that the tenderness and bleeding associated with periodontitis are reduced or resolved entirely. When the gums respond well and maintain stability, no additional treatment is necessary.
To schedule a consultation or to ask any questions about scaling and root planing, give us a call at our Sunnyvale office at (408) 774-1200 or our San Jose office at (408) 300-0767 or send us an email.
