Scaling and Root Planing

The patient expressed concerns of unhealthy gums and poor cosmetic appeal. During a comprehensive exam he was found to have inflamed gum tissue with deep pockets between the tissues and teeth, causing bacteria to become trapped. As a result, the patient had developed active periodontal disease and moderate bone loss. Dr. Patel's diagnosis included the recommendation of a Scaling and Root Planing, also known as a deep cleaning. The procedure included the removal of all calculus, plaque, bacteria and toxins from both the tooth and root surfaces. The patient received instructions for proper home health care and was also placed on a regular periodontal maintenance routine in office to maintain his periodontal disease.

The patient disclosed primary concerns of unhealthy gums, bad breath and cosmetic appeal. He presented with heavy calculus, bone loss & inflamed gum tissue. Our analysis was active periodontal disease. The patient was asked to start with Scaling & Root Planing, also known as a deep cleaning. Scaling & Root Planing sessions were performed on all four quadrants to remove the calculus, plaque, bacteria and toxins from both the tooth and root surfaces. He was given proper home health care hygiene instructions as well as placed on a periodontal maintenance schedule in office to help promote good healing and to help maintain healthy gums. Since there is no cure for periodontal disease, the patient will continuously be examined and his gums reassessed under our care.

The patient presented with a history of periodontal disease. After a thorough exam and review of his digital x-rays taken in our office, Dr. Patel diagnosed that the patient had aggressive Periodontitis which had resulted in bleeding gums, bone loss, inflammation and some mobile teeth. Dr. Patel recommended that the patient undergo scaling and root planing to address the present plaque, calculus and stain on the surface and roots of his teeth. The patient was placed on a three month cleaning schedule and educated on the importance of maintaining good homecare. During these routine visits the patient's gum tissues were evaluated and continued to reveal deeper pocket depths around his teeth. Due to the continued poor prognosis of his mobile teeth and severe periodontal disease Dr. Patel recommended laser gum surgery. This allowed him access below the gum line to remove all bacteria, diseased gum tissue and decaying bone. The roots of his teeth were again scaled and smoothed and the bone was recontoured. Using the laser eliminated the need for scalpels and sutures which resulted in minimal bleeding and pain. This allowed faster healing, promoting healthy gum regrowth. We continue to monitor the patient's oral health and educate him on the importance of his homecare.

This patient presented with chronic periodontitis which had resulted in inflamed bleeding gums, overgrowth of tissue and bone loss with deep pockets. Due to his poor homecare, being an active smoker and his aggressive periodontal disease, Dr. Patel recommended he undergo laser gum treatment. The patient however, requested to start with scaling & root planing first. The scaling & root planing was performed to address the present plaque and calculus on the surface and roots of his teeth. He was educated on the importance of good homecare and provided proper oral hygiene instructions. When the patient returned three months later for his periodontal maintenance, his hygiene had not improved and he was still an active smoker. Dr. Patel recommended proceeding with laser gum surgery. This allowed him access below the gum line to remove all bacteria, diseased tissue and decaying bone. The roots of his teeth were again scaled & smoothed and the bone was recontoured. Using the laser eliminated the need for scalpels & sutures, which resulted in minimal bleeding and pain. This allowed for faster healing, promoting healthy gum regrowth. Dr. Patel continues to monitor the patient's oral health and educate him on the importance of his homecare.