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Scaling and Planing With Your Pasadena Dentist

Scaling and Planing With Your Pasadena Dentist

Sometimes a regular cleaning from your Pasadena just will not do the trick, especially if you have been avoiding an appointment with your Pasadena Dentist. Only your Dentist in Pasadena knows how often you need to have your teeth cleaned as each individual is different, but if you haven’t see your dentist in Pasadena for quite some time you may need to schedule an appointment for a deep cleaning, otherwise known as scaling and root planing.

When you schedule regular appointments with your Pasadena Dentist Dr. Paul Shinto, Dr. Bert K. Funatsu DDS, Dr. J. Michael Jann DDS, or Dr. Daniel Iannotti DDS will be able to monitor your gums preventing gingivitis, which could lead to periodontal disease. If Periondontitis is left untreated, it could lead to irreversible bone damage and tooth loss.

During a check-up with your Dentist Pasadena, your gums will be thoroughly examined for problems. Your Pasadena Dentist will use a tool called a periodontal probe in order to measure the space depth between your gums and teeth. The normal depth of the sulcus, which is the very edge of the gum line, should be three millimeters or less. If gingivitis or periodontal disease is present, the gums will bleed as the pockets are collecting bacteria and plaque. Your Pasadena Dentist may also take X-rays to determine if the bone supporting your teeth has been damaged.

If you do have gum issues, your Dentist in Pasadena will begin treatment with a non-surgical method called scaling and planing. This involves a scaler or an ultrasonic cleaner that removes the tartar and plaque. Sometimes your Pasadena Dentist may use a local anesthetic to relieve any discomfort.  

After scaling your Dentist in Pasadena will then smooth the surface of your teeth, which is also known as planing. When your Pasadena Dentist planes your teeth it helps to heal the gum tissue and allows the periodontal pockets to shrink. Scaling and planing make it more difficult for plaque to accumulate.

Depending on the condition of your teeth and gums, your Dentist in Pasadena may recommend more than one visit so that your gingivitis or periodontal disease can be treated in sections or quadrants.

After scaling and planing has been completed, your Pasadena Dentist will schedule a follow up appointment within a few weeks to check on your progress.

Periodontal disease will not just go away on its own, and if left untreated, could cause all sorts of problems. If you have been dealing with sore gums, bad breath or bleeding after brushing and flossing it could be time to call your Pasadena Dentist for an appointment.