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Periodontal (Gum) Disease Treatment – Edmond, OK

Protect Your Smile’s Foundation

The gums are the unsung hero of your smile. They protect the roots of your teeth, keep them stable, and bring nutrients to your smile so it stays healthy and strong. Unfortunately, it can sometimes fall victim to an infection called gum disease, which if ignored, will eventually lead to tooth loss. If anyone in your household has red, swollen, or bleeding gums, give us a call today—Dr. M. Kent Smith can put a stop to the problem right away with dedicated periodontal (gum) disease treatment in Edmond, OK.

Why Choose M. Kent Smith DDS for Periodontal (Gum) Disease Treatment?

  • Gum Screenings Performed at Every Single Checkup
  • Expert Hygiene Team That Can Treat the Source of Infection
  • Antibiotic Therapy: Professional Care That Works at Home

Scaling & Root Planing

Woman pointing to healthy smile after scaling and root planing periodontal therapy

Plaque and bacteria can accumulate below your gum line, and this is often the root cause of gum disease. Scaling is a cleaning procedure that removes this harmful buildup, and it’s usually paired with root planing. This technique involves slightly reshaping the rough surfaces of the teeth’s roots so that the gums heal more quickly and reattach firmly. This helps put a stop to a current infection while also preventing future ones.

Scaling and Root Planing FAQs

gray-haired woman admiring her smile in a hand mirror

Many people aren’t even aware that they have gum disease until their dentist in Edmond tells them. An even greater number of people aren’t sure what advanced gum disease therapy entails or if it will work for them. Dr. Smith wants all of his patients to feel confident that they’re getting the highest quality treatment possible and is happy to answer some of our most frequently asked questions about this procedure. If your question is not listed here, feel free to call us. One of our friendly team members will gladly help you through your concerns.

Is Scaling and Root Planing Uncomfortable?

In terms of comfort, scaling and root planing in Edmond is not too different from a typical dental cleaning. Of course, if your gums are sensitive or highly inflamed, we are happy to numb them with a topical anesthetic. Every patient has a different level of sensitivity and comfort, so we encourage you to let us know about your apprehensions ahead of time so we can make your appointment as comfortable as we can. We also offer sedation options if you need a little extra help relaxing in the treatment chair.

How Long Does Scaling and Root Planing Take?

Generally, the length of the procedure depends on the severity of your condition. When the entire mouth is affected, we usually focus on one half of the mouth at a time. One half typically takes somewhere between 45 and 60 minutes, and the other half will need to be completed during a second appointment. In some cases, we might only do one quadrant of your mouth at a time so that you have plenty of time to recover.

Is There Anything I Should Do/Not Do After Scaling and Root Planing?

After the first night post-op, you can resume brushing and flossing as normal, but make sure to do so carefully. Furthermore, avoid hot or spicy foods as well as alcohol until your gums have healed. Refrain from using tobacco products for at least 72 hours following the procedure. Immediately after your scaling and root planing, do not eat or drink anything other than water for the next half hour.

How Much Does Scaling and Root Planing Cost?

The cost of scaling and root planing can vary depending on the extent of the damage and how much of your mouth we have to treat. For that reason, we can’t provide you with a fixed price until we examine your mouth. However, it’s worth mentioning that in many cases, dental insurance can cover a significant portion of the cost. Our practice is in-network with many popular insurance plans, including MetLife, Cigna, and Delta Dental. Even if we’re not in-network with your plan, we’ll still maximize your benefits to the best of our ability.

Antibiotic Therapy

Woman taking antibiotic pill

Over time, gum disease can cause small pockets filled with bacteria to form between the gums and teeth, and these are extremely difficult to adequately clean with scaling alone. Instead, we can apply an antibiotic directly to the gums that goes on dry and dissolves over the course of a week. This allows the medicine to reach the bottom of these pockets and kill any remaining bacteria. It’s also proven to reduce the size of these pockets, which can prevent further oral health issues.