Gum Disease Treatment in Lithia, FL
Why Would You Need Scaling and Root Planing?
Scaling and root planing (SRP) is a treatment for the infection of the gums more commonly called gum disease (periodontitis). When plaque and tartar accumulate beneath the gumline, the infection causes inflammation, gum recession, and bone loss (Pihlstrom et al., 2005). Scaling and root planing is necessary when routine cleanings are no longer enough to remove harmful bacteria that cause periodontal disease, bad breath, and tooth loss. Early treatment with SRP can help prevent the progression of gum disease and improve overall oral health.
The Scaling and Root Planing Process
Scaling and root planing is typically performed in two stages with local anesthesia to ensure patient comfort.
- Scaling – Your Lithia dentist or hygienist uses specialized instruments to remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria from the tooth surfaces both above and below the gumline. This process eliminates irritants that contribute to gum infection.
- Root Planing – After scaling, the tooth roots are smoothed to discourage further bacterial buildup and help the gums reattach to the teeth, reducing pocket depth and improving gum health (Cobb, 2002).
The procedure may require multiple visits to your Lithia dentist, depending on the severity of gum disease. Patients are often advised to maintain excellent oral hygiene and may need antibacterial rinses or follow-up visits to ensure proper healing.
Our Team
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Dr. Joseph Wareham DMD
Dr. Joseph Wareham is the proud owner and dentist at Cherry Blossom Family Dentistry, a practice he founded and opened in 2013. With a deep passion for dentistry, Dr. Wareham has been practicing since graduating from Nova Southeastern University in 2007.
Dr. Wareham's favorite part of working in dentistry is the close-knit relationship he shares with his team members. He believes in fostering a fun and lighthearted work environment, where jokes and laughter are shared between colleagues and patients alike. This sense of camaraderie creates a comfortable and enjoyable experience for ...
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What Happens if Gum Disease Is Left Untreated?
Neglecting to treat periodontal disease can lead to serious oral and systemic health issues. Without scaling and root planing, gum disease may progress, causing:
- Gum recession and tooth mobility due to bone loss (Lindhe et al., 1983).
- Increased risk of tooth loss, as untreated periodontitis is a leading cause of tooth extractions.
- Systemic health complications, including links between periodontal disease and heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections (Tonetti et al., 2007).
Early intervention with scaling and root planing helps preserve gum health, prevent tooth loss, and reduce the risk of other medical conditions.
Schedule Your Scaling and Root Planing Consultation in Lithia, FL
If you have bleeding gums, bad breath, or gum recession, Cherry Blossom Family Dentistry in Lithia, FL, can help restore your oral health. Contact us at (813) 438-5925 or schedule an appointment online today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Coming in for regular cleanings with one of our excellent dental hygienists will help keep your gums in great shape, but what you do at home matters as well. Brush twice daily and floss every evening. Our hygienists will be happy to show you good brushing and flossing technique.
Other steps you can take to prevent gum disease include:
- Don't smoke or chew tobacco
- Eat a healthy diet full of fresh fruits and vegetables
- Use an antiseptic mouthwash. We'll be happy to recommend one.
- If you have a health condition that can affect your dental health, such as diabetes, heart disease, or cancer, please let us know so that we can take extra steps to help keep your gums healthy.
Keep Your Smile Healthy for Life
Early prevention is the key to avoiding painful and costly gum treatments later. If it has been more than six months since your last cleaning, it’s time to check in. Schedule your cleaning and exam online today!
Gum Disease Treatment Technology
Intraoral Camera
What if you could see exactly what your dentist sees? You'd probably find it simpler to make informed decisions about your oral health!
Intraoral cameras allow you to do precisely that. Using a small digital camera embedded in a wand, the dentist can move it around your mouth and transmit the images instantly to a chairside monitor. This allows you to clearly see everything the dentist describes, including damage to the teeth and signs that might indicate periodontal disease.
Testimonial
Thank you for putting an anxiety filled patient at ease.
Best dentist ever! Dr. Wareham is kind, empathetic, honest, and caring. Going to the dentist is very difficult for me but Dr. Wareham even makes dental surgery comfortable. I’ve been to dentist where they were not honest and did unnecessary procedures, Dr. Wareham is not only honest, but will do all he can to save your teeth and your money. I could not recommend Dr. Wareham highly enough! Thank you for putting an anxiety filled patient at ease.
-Christine