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Deep cleaning that saves teeth and stops gum disease — removing infection below the gumline for lasting oral health.
When regular cleanings aren’t enough to combat advancing gum disease, scaling and root planing provides the deep therapeutic cleaning your teeth desperately need. This specialized procedure goes where toothbrushes and floss can’t reach, eliminating bacterial colonies hiding beneath your gums and smoothing root surfaces to promote healing. At Brightworks Dentistry, we perform scaling and root planing with exceptional gentleness and precision, transforming infected gums back to healthy pink tissue while preserving your natural teeth.
Scaling and root planing, often called deep cleaning or SRP, is a non-surgical periodontal treatment that removes bacterial deposits from below the gumline. Unlike routine cleanings that address only visible tooth surfaces, this therapeutic procedure treats the hidden root surfaces where destructive bacteria thrive.
The treatment consists of two distinct parts working together to combat gum disease. Scaling removes hardened plaque (tartar) and bacterial toxins from tooth surfaces both above and below the gumline, reaching depths of 4mm or more into periodontal pockets. Root planing then smooths roughened root surfaces, eliminating bacterial hiding spots and allowing gum tissue to reattach firmly to clean, smooth roots. This two-step process halts disease progression and creates conditions for natural healing.
Stop gum disease before it claims your teeth. Let scaling and root planing restore your periodontal health today.
At Brightworks Dentistry, we perform scaling and rootplaningwith the utmost care and precision to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients. Here’s what you can expect during the procedure:
Before the procedure, our dental professionals will conduct a thorough examination of your gums and teeth. This may include measuring the depth of the pockets between your gums and teeth using a periodontal probe. Deeper pockets indicate more advanced gum disease and the need for scaling and root planing.
To ensure your comfort during the procedure, a local anesthetic is typically administered to numb the gums and surrounding areas. This helps to minimize discomfort during the deep cleaning process.
The first step in the procedure is scaling. This involves removing plaque and tartar from the surface of the teeth and below the gumline. Our dentists in Dunwoody, GAuse specialized tools, such as ultrasonic scalers and hand instruments, to thoroughly clean the teeth and gum pockets. The ultrasonic scaler uses high-frequency vibrations to break up tartar, while the hand instruments are used to remove any remaining deposits.
Once the scaling is complete, the next step is rootplaning. This process involves smoothing out the roots of the teeth to remove any rough areas where bacteria can accumulate. Smoothing the roots also helps the gums reattach to the teeth, reducing the depth of the gum pockets and promoting healing.
In some cases, an antimicrobial agent may be applied to the gum pockets to kill any remaining bacteria and reduce the risk of infection. This can include topical antibiotics like Arestin, the Perio Protect Method®, or antiseptic mouth rinses.
After the procedure, our team will provide you with detailed post-operative care instructions to promote healing and prevent any complications.
Determining whether you need scaling and root planing depends on specific clinical indicators our team evaluates during your periodontal assessment. Understanding these signs helps you recognize when basic cleanings are no longer sufficient.
Gum pockets measuring 4mm or deeper indicate bacterial invasion below the gumline where regular cleaning can’t reach. Bleeding during probing or routine brushing signals active infection requiring intervention. Visible tartar buildup below the gumline appears as dark deposits that regular scaling cannot remove. X-rays showing bone loss around teeth confirm periodontal disease has progressed beyond gingivitis.
Persistent bad breath despite good oral hygiene often indicates deep bacterial pockets requiring professional treatment. Loose or shifting teeth suggest advanced bone loss that scaling and root planing can help stabilize. Red, swollen, or receding gums all point to active disease processes that deep cleaning can reverse when caught in time.
Dr. Patrice Robbins and Dr. Preston Shurley bring their combined expertise to every periodontal treatment at Brightworks Dentistry. Their team approach ensures thorough, gentle care while prioritizing patient comfort throughout the procedure.
Working alongside our experienced hygienists, our doctors deliver comprehensive deep cleaning treatments tailored to each patient’s needs. Through their monthly Spear study club meetings and commitment to continuing education, they stay current with the latest techniques in periodontal therapy, ensuring optimal outcomes for every patient.
We’ve invested in the latest ultrasonic scaling technology and comfort amenities to transform deep cleaning from dreaded to tolerable. Our ultrasonic scalers work more efficiently with less vibration, while Beats headphones with Netflix or Hulu help time pass quickly. Topical anesthetics and gentle injection techniques ensure thorough numbing.
Successful scaling and root planing requires patience and precision. Our team takes time to thoroughly clean every surface, never rushing through treatment. We use magnification and excellent lighting to ensure no deposits remain, giving your gums the best chance for complete healing.
Treatment doesn’t end when you leave our chair. We provide detailed home care instructions, prescription rinses when beneficial, and schedule appropriate follow-up visits. Our periodontal maintenance program helps maintain the health gains achieved through deep cleaning, preventing disease recurrence.
Don’t let gum disease steal your smile. Scaling and root planing at Brightworks Dentistry offers a proven, non-surgical solution that halts disease progression and restores gum health. Our gentle approach and advanced technology make this essential treatment more comfortable than ever, while our thorough technique ensures lasting results that preserve your natural teeth.
Conveniently located at 1858 Independence Square in Dunwoody, we provide expert periodontal care to patients throughout the metro area. Our commitment to combining clinical excellence with patient comfort makes us the trusted choice for scaling and root planing treatment. Take action against gum disease today—call 770-458-3600 or visit our contact form to schedule your periodontal evaluation and begin your journey back to healthy gums.
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