Periodontal Therapy in Kansas City

Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.  This disease is caused by the accumulation of plaque and bacteria on the root surface of the tooth beyond normal limits.  Progression of this condition will gradually destroy bone and supporting tissues around the teeth.  For patients with this disease, scaling and root planing may be necessary in addition to a basic dental cleaning.

Scaling and Root Planing

Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning below the gumline used to treat gum disease.

Gum disease is caused by a sticky film of bacteria called plaque. Plaque is constantly accumulating on teeth and can cause the gums to become inflamed if not adequately removed on a daily basis with brushing and flossing. When this happens, your gums will pull away from your teeth and form spaces called pockets. Plaque then gets trapped in these pockets and cannot be removed with regular brushing. If untreated, gum disease can lead to bone and tooth loss.

Periodontal scaling and root planing are nonsurgical. They are more of a deep cleaning that is done with handheld instruments or ultrasonic devices. We will scrape away all of the plaque and tartar on your teeth — scaling both above and below your gumline, down to the depth of the periodontal pocket.

After removing plaque, we will plane, or smooth out, the rough surfaces on the roots of your teeth. This will help your gums reattach to your teeth.