Periodontal Specialists of Montana P.C.

Periodontics

50 27th Street West Suite D, Billings, MT 59102

406-655-7970

Non-Surgical

Scaling & Root Planing

Scaling and Root Planing Overview

For a brief narrated overview of scaling and root planing, please click the image below. It will launch our flash educational MiniModule in a separate window that may answer some of your questions about scaling and root planing.

Scaling & Root Planing Presentation, non-surgical periodontal therapy

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The initial stage of treatment is usually a thorough cleaning that may include scaling to remove plaque and tartar deposits beneath the gum line.

The tooth roots may also be planed to smooth the root surface allowing the gum tissue to heal and reattach to the tooth. In some cases, the occlusion (bite) may require adjustment.

Antibiotics or other anti-microbial preparations (chemical agents or mouth rinses) may be recommended to help control the growth of bacteria that create toxins and cause periodontitis. In some cases, Dr. Manhart may recommend placing local antibiotics in the periodontal pockets, much as you might put antibacterial ointment on a cut. This may be done to control infection in difficult to reach areas and to encourage healing.

As pockets between teeth and gums deepen, it is difficult for conservative treatment alone to thoroughly remove the accumulated bacterial deposits. Your home care can not keep these pockets clean and free of plaque because they are beyond your reach. Consequently, surgery may be needed to restore periodontal health and to create a situation where you and the hygienist can more adequately clean the area.

Bite Adjustment

A bite is considered to be healthy when all or most of the teeth are present and not destroyed by normal daily usage. It is destructive when teeth show wear, looseness or when protracted muscle soreness or TMJ (jaw joint) damage is seen. Bite therapy helps restore a bite that can function without damage and destruction. The therapy may include:

  • Reshaping the biting surfaces of the teeth and eliminating spots of excessive pressures where the teeth are brought into contact. This is done by carefully dividing bite pressures evenly across all of the teeth. Bite splint therapy using a custom fitted and adjusted bite guard to keep the teeth apart, day, night or both. Braces can be used to reposition mal-aligned or drifted teeth once the active disease is under control.
  • Reconstruction of badly worn and damaged teeth along with replacement of old, worn out or damaged fillings can go far in creating a situation where controlling the disease is easy and effective.