Scaling and Root Planing
Eugene, OR
 If left untreated, gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, can pose serious risks to your oral health. Luckily, treating gum disease is easier and more affordable than it has ever been. Whether your gum disease has just begun, or you need more effective methods there is an option for you. With the techniques we offer here at Harmony Dental, we can destroy even the most stubborn gum disease.
Professional Cleaning and Good Oral Hygiene
In its earliest stages, gum disease can often be treated with nothing more than a simple professional cleaning. We always check for signs of gum disease during your biannual cleanings, and if we notice anything, we may ask you to come in for an additional cleaning. Unfortunately, once gum disease starts progressing a cleaning is not enough. At that point we will have to take more proactive measures.
While you should always try to follow the American Dental Association’s (ADA) recommendation of coming into our office for your twice annual professional cleanings, an important part of preventing and treating gum disease is maintaining your oral hygiene. This means brushing twice a day, two minutes each time, just like the ADA recommends — and do not forget to floss!
Scaling and Root Planing
If your gum disease is not caught early, then more extensive measures will have to be taken. Scaling and root planing are both non-surgical methods of deep cleaning. Gum disease is caused by the build-up of plaque. As this plaque accumulates, it creates pockets between your teeth and gums that cannot be reached by normal brushing. Scaling and root planing are techniques to reach these pockets by going beneath the gums. You will be given local anesthesia to reduce any discomfort.
Pocket Reduction Surgery
Once periodontal disease advances to a more serious stage, treatment may require surgical means. Pocket reduction surgery is one of the most effective ways to fight advanced gum disease by surgically lifting the gums to remove tartar. Once your gums are completely clean, we will move the gums back into place, lowering them to eliminate pockets where bacteria can hide.
Bone and Gum Grafting
Gum disease destroys not only the gums, but also bone. This can cause premature aging and even the loss of teeth as your eroded gums are no longer able to maintain their hold on your teeth. Grafting treatments can restore this lost bone and soft tissue using samples taken from your own body or another source. New bone and tissue can then be grown, getting rid of pockets created by receding gums and helping to re-stabilize teeth that have become loosened.
Treat Your Gum Disease Today!
Gum disease can be serious, but we have a number of different ways for you to fight it off. Non-surgical methods like cleaning, scaling, and root planing are quick and non-invasive, while surgical techniques like pocket surgery and gum grafting are powerful tools for dealing with advanced gum disease. To learn more about these treatments and more, call (541) 246-3250 to schedule a consultation with Harmony Dental today!
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