Prevent and promptly treat gum disease – a leading threat to your healthy, happy smile

Scaling and root planing sounds like a curious term. But really, it is just a type of cleaning available at My Dental and Implants in Glendale, Arizona. Now, not all our patients require SRP. In fact, if your teeth and gums remain healthy, “standard” 6-month cleanings are more than adequate. However, our dentist, Dr. Nima Afzalian, may recommend SRP for patients with existing damage to the gums that surround, support, and protect the teeth.

The process

It is generally advised that healthy, low-risk patients visit our office once every six months for professional cleaning and a comprehensive oral exam. Our skilled and kind dental hygienists perform the cleanings. They use special tools and techniques to remove what your toothbrush or
floss cannot – stubborn plaque build-up. Along with plaque and tartar, surface stains and bacteria are also removed from the teeth and at the gum line. During these appointments, we also measure the periodontal pockets or spaces between the teeth and gums. Healthy gums are typically firm and pinkish-red. As gums become inflamed, they pull away from the teeth. The pockets gradually grow larger. We can use these measurements to determine the presence of gum disease and its extent or stage. We may find that you can benefit from deep teeth cleaning or scaling and root planing. 

Unlike standard cleanings, SRP removes bacteria, plaque, and other nasties from below the gum line and within those perio pockets. Additionally, the “planing” part of the process involves smoothing out the root surfaces of the teeth. Smooth surfaces are less likely to attract and collect the substances that promote gum disease and tooth decay, the leading causes of tooth loss.

We are your partners in oral health. So, those who undergo SRP will see us regularly for follow-up visits. During these visits, we can ensure that your gums are healing properly. 

Call us today!

Early-stage gum disease (gingivitis) is typically asymptomatic. You may not feel anything different and think that your mouth is healthy. By the time you notice things like blood on your toothbrush or floss, the disease may have progressed to the point where damage has occurred. At My Dental and Implants in Glendale, AZ, we tailor treatments to your needs and use only the most gentle and precise techniques and technologies.We encourage you to reach out sooner rather than later. We can catch problems before they cause damage and when their effects may even be reversed! Our office can be reached at (623) 526-2330, and we are proud to serve the greater Phoenix area — Sun City, Surprise, Peoria, Cave Creek, and everywhere in between.