Scaling and Root Planing – Myrtle Beach, SC
Ensuring Your Gum Health with Effective Treatment
If you are suffering from the effects of gum disease, you are not alone. Millions of Americans have soft oral tissue that is red, inflamed, and may even bleed when brushing or flossing. Many of these individuals are unaware they are battling this common, yet, harmful dental problem. Fortunately, Dr. Jack W. Markusen and his team can help with gum disease therapy in Myrtle Beach. His practice consults with new patients for free and believes in the importance of preventative dentistry. If it is found during a regular checkup and cleaning appointment, don’t worry about feeling judged. Dr. Markusen cares about your oral health, which is why he will quickly create a plan to attack the plaque and tartar building around your teeth and gums. Treating gum disease is an important way to get someone’s oral health back on track, so if you’re ready to learn more, contact our office today.
Why Choose Dr. Jack W. Markusen for Scaling & Root Planing?
- Dentist with 40+ years of dental experience
- Safe and effective treatment designed to improve gum health
- Personalized treatment plan combined with continuous patient education
What is Scaling and Root Planing?
Scaling and root planing, also known as deep cleaning, is a process used to clear away harmful plaque and tartar build up around your teeth and gums and encourage proper gum reattachment. It is designed to reduce reinfection and improve both gum and oral health.
The scaling and root planing process does often require multiple visits to our office for treatment, as it will be necessary to ensure the infection does not reoccur.
How Does Scaling Work?
Using the appropriate dental tools, Dr. Markusen will begin by administering a local anesthetic to eliminate any feelings of discomfort during the process. He will then start to remove hardened plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line. It will be necessary to clean as far down as the gum pocket extends to ensure all is effectively removed.
How Does Root Planing Work?
Once finished with the scaling portion of the procedure, your dentist in Myrtle Beach will then begin root planing. This involves smoothing out your teeth roots in an effort to encourage your gums to reattach to your teeth.
After you’ve received your deep cleaning, it will be important for you to maintain your regular dental visits for additional treatment. You will also need to take any prescribed or over-the-counter pain reliever as instructed, as your gums will likely be tender and sensitive for up to a week.
Why Scaling and Root Planing is Important
When you first begin to notice problems with your gums, it is important that you seek help from Dr. Markusen as soon as possible. Naturally, if he is able to catch it in its early stages, with regular cleanings and good oral hygiene practiced at home the symptoms can be reversed. However, if left to progress into what is known as periodontitis, it will be necessary to have scaling and root planing performed sooner rather than later. Here’s why:
As plaque and tartar spread beneath the gum line, pockets can begin to form and trap additional bacteria and food particles. As the infection and inflammation increases, it can enter your bloodstream and travel throughout your body. Your brain, heart, and lungs are just a few areas that can be negatively impacted. In fact, research shows that gum disease can lead to:
- Heart attacks
- Stroke
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Alzheimer’s or Dementia
- Respiratory disease
Scaling and root planing make it possible to prevent infection from entering the bloodstream by removing it before it is given the chance.