Thorough to the depth
This procedure helps to remove calculus from hard to reach areas that are inaccessible to a typical deep cleaning.
What to expect
At the Appointment
Duration 60-120 min
Oral anesthetic use
Possible minor sensitivity
After Appointment
Possible sensitivity to cold for a few weeks
Avoid eating until numbness wears off
Mild postoperative bleeding
Post operative discomfort
What it is
In chronic periodontitis that has not been treated for many years calculus develops under the gum. This leads to significant bone loss and if not treated will lead to tooth loss.
Calculus will also irritate the gums making them tender and sensitive, while the inflammation will contribute to resorption of bone that supports the teeth.
Surgical intervention is recommended if the gingival pockets are greater than 6mm in depth. Conventional scaling is not sufficient to do a thorough enough job for healing to start occurring.
How cleaning it is accomplished
First the gum is numbed and surgically reflected away from the teeth. This exposes any calculus that may be around tooth root at the bone level.
Once the gingiva is moved away from the teeth, all calculus is cleaned up and removed, leaving a clean, smooth surface for the gingiva to adhere to. After a thorough cleaning the gingiva is sutured together for healing.
2 weeks after scaling:
- Gums become less sensitive
- Bleeding stops
- Discomfort resolves
- Risk of recession is lowered
- Risk of bone loss is lowered
- Bad breath disappears