Scaling and Root Planing South Holland, IL

MINT dentistry in South Holland, IL is committed to helping all of our patients attain a sexy smile. The best way to do this is by attending regular checkups and dental cleanings, but when gum problems begin to develop, more steps may need to be taken. MINT dentistry utilizes modern equipment and techniques to treat gum disease through SRP, or scaling and root planing therapy. Scaling and root planing is a simple option done by one of our MINT dentistry practitioners to clear away tartar and plaque deposits that have accumulated below the gumline, within the spaces that separate your teeth and gums. This treatment is designed to help decrease active gum disease, heal the gum tissues, and increase the health of your gums. If you notice symptoms of gum disease, make an appointment for an exam and consultation at our state-of-the-art practice in South Holland, IL. Regardless of the condition of your mouth and gums, MINT dentistry can help you achieve sexy teeth with proactive care and advanced treatments.

As periodontal disease progresses, the bacteria living within the tartar and plaque deposits in your mouth cause the gums to recede from the surfaces of the teeth and the jawbone to break down. During your annual examination, one of our skilled MINT dental professionals will measure your periodontal pockets and capture x-rays to visualize the health of the bone surrounding your teeth. When the pockets are three millimeters or greater and there is evidence of bone deterioration on your radiographs, scaling and root planing (SRP) treatment may be recommended. The first signs of periodontal disease are often chronic halitosis (bad breath), tooth mobility, and gums that are swollen, tender, have started to become red, bleed easily, or recede. If gum disease is discovered early on, scaling and root planing can reduce these symptoms, but if gum disease has progressed to advanced periodontitis (the later stages), you might need another treatment to improve your oral health.

We perform SRP (or deep periodontal cleaning) in our South Holland, IL dental practice using a local anesthetic to ensure you're comfortable during the treatment. We can also discuss stronger sedation options if you have serious dental concerns or anxieties. To start your SRP treatment, you can enjoy relaxing in a comfortable chair. Once you've put on a set of Beats headphones and selected some music, you will be given some sleek MINT shades to protect your eyes. Once you are ready, a member of our dental team will implement advanced instruments to carefully remove the buildup under your gumline. We will then skillfully plane (smooth) the tooth roots. Creating a smooth, healthy area encourages the gums to readhere to the teeth and lessens the locations where oral bacteria can regrow.

Your mouth will feel numb after your scaling and root planing procedure as the effect of the local anesthesia fades. You may notice gum tenderness and tooth sensitivity for a couple of days. Our MINT dentistry experts will discuss aftercare instructions on how to take care of your teeth and gums as your gums heal. You should follow a thorough dental hygiene routine at home each day, which includes proper brushing and flossing, to keep your mouth healthy. Our South Holland, IL team may recommend periodontal maintenance visits to help monitor your gum health and help stop active periodontal conditions from developing. Generally set up on a quarterly basis, periodontal maintenance visits take the place of twice-yearly cleanings and allow our practitioners to closely track the health of your gums and jawbone.

As a common treatment for gum disease, scaling and root planing is typically covered at least partially by most dental insurance policies. If you have insurance, our administrative team will reach out to your insurance company to understand your coverage and personal costs. If you do not have dental insurance, MINT dentistry in South Holland, IL is dedicated to making necessary oral health treatments affordable by accepting several methods of payment, including low-interest financing, which can be discussed during your consultation. Ask a member of our team about the MINT Discount Plan and how it can help you fit the treatments you need, like scaling and root planing, into your budget.

In addition to affecting the appearance of your smile, gum disease can have a serious impact on your dental health. However, when gum disease is caught before it's too far advanced, the condition can usually be controlled with scaling and root planing treatment. Please reach out to MINT dentistry in South Holland, IL to find out your treatment options for gum disease by scheduling a consultation. Our team of dental health professionals will work to restore your gums and help you get a healthy, luminous smile.