Scaling and Root Planning in Cincinnati, OH
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Treating Periodontal Disease to Protect Your Teeth
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Scaling and root planing (SRP), often called a deep cleaning, is a non-surgical treatment used to treat periodontal disease (gum disease).
Unlike a routine dental cleaning, which is intended to prevent disease in healthy gums, scaling and root planning is recommended when bacteria have spread below the gumline and begun affecting the tissues and bone that support your teeth.
The goal is to remove infection, reduce inflammation, and help prevent further damage so you can maintain your natural teeth for as long as possible.
What Is Periodontal Disease?
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Periodontal disease develops when bacteria accumulate below the gumline and trigger a chronic infection.
As the infection progresses, it can cause:
- Inflamed, bleeding gums
- Deep periodontal pockets
- Loss of the bone supporting the teeth
- Gum recession
- Persistent bad breath
- Loose teeth
- Eventually, tooth loss if left untreated
Unlike gingivitis, periodontal disease involves permanent loss of supporting bone. While the lost bone cannot usually be restored, treatment can often stop the disease from progressing.
When Is Scaling and Root Planning Recommended?
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Scaling and root planing may be recommended if your examination shows:
- Periodontal pockets around the teeth
- Bone loss visible on X-rays
- Tartar below the gumline
- Bleeding gums
- Chronic gum inflammation
- Signs of active periodontal disease
Your diagnosis is based on a comprehensive examination, including periodontal measurements and radiographs—not simply on how your teeth look.
What Happens During Scaling and Root Planning?
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Scaling and root planing involves carefully cleaning below the gumline where toothbrushes and floss cannot reach.
Treatment typically includes:
- Removal of plaque and tartar above and below the gums
- Cleaning the root surfaces to remove bacteria and toxins
- Smoothing the roots to help the gums heal and reattach
- Local anesthetic to keep you comfortable, when needed
- Home care instructions to support healing
Depending on the amount of treatment needed, therapy may be completed over one or more appointments.
Why Can’t a Regular Cleaning Treat Gum Disease?
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A routine cleaning is designed for patients with healthy gums and focuses primarily on cleaning above the gumline.
When periodontal disease is present, bacteria and hardened deposits extend below the gums where a routine cleaning cannot adequately treat the infection.
Scaling and root planing is specifically designed to remove these deposits and help reduce the bacterial infection affecting the supporting tissues of your teeth.
Choosing the correct treatment is essential for protecting your long-term oral health.
What Happens After Treatment?
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Your gums will begin healing as the inflammation decreases.
Most patients notice:
- Less bleeding when brushing
- Healthier gum tissue
- Reduced swelling
- Fresher breath
- Improved comfort
Because periodontal disease is a chronic condition, ongoing maintenance is essential to help keep the infection under control.
Many patients transition to periodontal maintenance after completing scaling and root planning.
Is Scaling and Root Planning a Cure?
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Scaling and root planing is one of the most effective ways to control periodontal disease, but it is not a cure.
Once bone has been lost, it generally cannot be replaced naturally.
The goal of treatment is to:
- Stop disease progression
- Reduce inflammation
- Help preserve the remaining bone
- Protect your natural teeth
- Improve long-term oral health
With regular periodontal maintenance and good home care, many patients successfully maintain healthy, functional teeth for many years.
Why Early Treatment Matters
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Periodontal disease often develops slowly and without pain.
Many patients don’t realize they have gum disease until bone loss has already occurred.
Treating the disease early can help reduce future damage and significantly improve your long-term prognosis.
At Total Dentistry, our goal is to diagnose periodontal disease as early as possible and provide treatment that’s appropriate for your individual condition.
Cost and Payment Options
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We understand that dental treatment is an investment.
Before treatment begins, we’ll review anticipated costs, insurance benefits, financing options, and answer any questions you may have.
Related Conditions
Continue Exploring
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Which Type of Dental Cleaning Do I Need? →
Learn the differences between routine, deep, and periodontal maintenance cleanings and which one is right for you.
What Is Periodontal Disease? →
Discover simple daily habits that can help prevent cavities, gum disease, and other common dental problems.
Why Do My Gums Bleed? →
Find out what bleeding gums may be telling you and when it’s time to schedule a dental evaluation.
How to Prevent Gum Disease →
Learn how often professional dental cleanings are recommended based on your oral health and risk factors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Get Started?
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Schedule an examination with Dr. Omeltschenko to discuss your concerns, evaluate your oral health, and review your treatment options.