Scaling & Root Planing
Thorough Scaling & root planing is usually the first step towards addressing your periodontal/gum disease. This is done with local anesthetic in order to avoid any discomfort. Scaling and Root Planing is a non-surgical procedure in which plaque and tartar are removed from below the gum line. Root surfaces are cleaned and resurfaced with specially designed instruments. It is important to remove the plaque and tartar from the pockets, because they contain bacterial toxins that irritate the gums and lead to bone loss. By removing this debris, your gums can begin to re-attach to the roots of your teeth.
Patients can expect to be comfortable during the procedure. Other than slight cold sensitivity and tenderness, discomfort is minimal following scaling & root planing. Patients can expect to return to work immediately after the appointment. Scaling & root planing is usually completed in two visits (one side of the mouth the first visit and the other side of the mouth in the second visit)
One month after scaling & root planing is completed we will re-access your periodontal condition. If deep pockets still remain between teeth and gums surgery may be considered to restore your periodontal health. Whether or not surgery is performed you will need to be placed on a more aggressive maintenance program of 3 month cleanings to ensure that your long term success rate is as high as possible.
Crown Lengthening
When decay occurs below the gum line, it may be necessary to remove a small amount of bone and gum tissue. Your dentist may ask for this procedure before he or she makes a new crown for your tooth.
Crown Lengthening procedures are done for both restorative dentistry and/or to improve the esthetics of your gum line. General practitioners often refer for crown lengthening procedures prior to restoration of broken or severely decayed teeth. This procedure adjusts the gum and bone level to expose more of the tooth so it can be restored.
Sometimes crown lengthening is done to improve a “gummy” smile because the teeth appear short. The teeth may actually be the proper length but excess gum tissue may be covering these teeth. During this procedure, excess gum and bone tissue is reshaped to expose more of the natural tooth.
This procedure often takes only 10-15 minuets and is done easily with only local anesthetic. In most cases you can return to your normal daily schedule immediately after the procedure is completed.
Periodontal Therapy
Dr. Cho will be evaluating for periodontal disease at your first visit and a treatment plan will be made and discussed with you to review what is needed to treat your condition including all options available.
AceCare Dental is focused on providing conservative treatment whenever possible. You are in charge of your health. We are here to help you decide what path to take, not to dictate your treatment. We welcome as many questions as you may have. Our goal is for you to understand your condition thoroughly, so you can make educated decisions about the course of your treatment.
