When you notice your gums bleed during brushing or feel tender to the touch, these symptoms may indicate the early stages of periodontal disease. Left untreated, this condition can progress from simple inflammation to serious infection that threatens your natural teeth. At Dental West NYC on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, we believe patients should keep their “original equipment” – their own teeth – for a lifetime of healthy smiles. That’s why we offer specialized scaling and root planing treatments enhanced with advanced laser technology.
We are a minimally invasive dental practice focused on prevention as the primary approach to help you maintain optimal oral health. Our deep cleaning procedures go beyond standard cleanings to address bacteria beneath the gumline, helping to stop periodontal disease in its tracks and promoting gum reattachment for long-term oral health.
What Is Scaling and Root Planing?
Scaling and root planing, often called a “deep cleaning,” is a non-surgical treatment for periodontal disease that reaches below the gumline to remove harmful bacteria and tartar buildup. Unlike your regular dental cleaning that focuses on the visible portion of your teeth, this procedure cleans deep within the periodontal pockets where bacteria thrive.
When plaque and tartar accumulate along and under your gumline, they create perfect environments for bacteria to multiply. These bacteria release toxins that irritate your gums, causing them to become inflamed and pull away from your teeth. This creates pockets between your teeth and gums where more bacteria can collect, furthering the cycle of infection and inflammation.
Our deep cleaning procedure involves two main steps:
- Scaling – We carefully remove all plaque and tartar deposits from above and below your gumline, cleaning all the way to the bottom of the periodontal pockets.
- Root Planing – We smooth the surfaces of your tooth roots to help your gums reattach to your teeth and to prevent bacteria from easily recolonizing these areas.
This thorough cleaning procedure helps eliminate the source of infection, reduce inflammation, and create conditions for your gums to heal and reattach to your teeth properly.
The Dental West NYC Difference: Laser-Enhanced Deep Cleaning
At Dental West NYC, we enhance traditional scaling and root planing with state-of-the-art laser technology. Our PerioLase MVP-7 Nd:YAG laser represents a significant investment in your oral health – a six-figure piece of equipment that we believe is worth every penny for the benefits it provides our patients.
The laser is particularly effective on soft tissue, allowing us to:
Targeted Bacterial Elimination
The laser precisely targets and eliminates bacteria in periodontal pockets, reaching areas that traditional instruments might miss. This advanced approach allows for more thorough disinfection of the gum pockets, creating a cleaner environment for healing.
Reduced Discomfort and Recovery Time
Laser-assisted deep cleaning can be more comfortable than traditional methods alone. The precision of the laser means less trauma to surrounding healthy tissue, which can result in less sensitivity and faster healing after your procedure.
Enhanced Gum Reattachment
The laser stimulates your gum tissue at a cellular level, promoting better healing and reattachment to your tooth surfaces. This helps create a tighter seal against future bacterial invasion.
Minimized Bleeding and Swelling
Laser technology seals blood vessels as it works, resulting in less bleeding during and after the procedure and reduced swelling in the treated areas.
When you leave our office after a laser-enhanced deep cleaning, your mouth will be healthier than with a traditional cleaning alone. The bacteria in your gum pockets will have been eliminated, giving your gums the best chance to heal and reattach properly to your teeth.
When Is Scaling and Root Planing Necessary?
You may benefit from scaling and root planing if you experience:
- Gums that bleed easily during brushing or flossing
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Persistent bad breath
- Receding gums (teeth appearing longer)
- Loose teeth
- Changes in how your teeth fit together when you bite
- Periodontal pockets measuring deeper than 3 millimeters
During your regular dental examination, we carefully measure the depth of the spaces between your teeth and gums. Healthy gums fit snugly around your teeth with pocket depths of 1-3 millimeters. Deeper pockets indicate periodontitis and signal the need for a deep cleaning procedure.
What to Expect During Your Deep Cleaning Procedure
At Dental West NYC, your comfort is our priority. Here’s what you can expect during your scaling and root planing treatment:
Before the Procedure
We’ll take detailed measurements of your periodontal pockets and may take digital x-rays if needed. We take x-rays only when necessary – typically every 2-2.5 years rather than annually – and we’re happy to use your existing x-rays if you can provide them. Our digital x-ray technology ensures minimal radiation exposure.
During the Procedure
To ensure your comfort, we’ll administer a local anesthetic to numb the area being treated. The scaling and root planing procedure is typically performed in sections – treating one quadrant or half of your mouth per appointment. This approach allows for thorough cleaning while maintaining your comfort.
Our skilled clinicians will use specialized instruments, including ultrasonic scalers and hand instruments, to remove all plaque and tartar deposits. We’ll then use our advanced laser technology to eliminate remaining bacteria and stimulate healing.
After the Procedure
You may experience some sensitivity for a few days following your deep cleaning. This is normal and typically resolves quickly. We may recommend:
- Gentle brushing and flossing around the treated areas
- Warm salt water rinses to soothe the gums
- Over-the-counter pain relievers if needed
- A follow-up appointment to evaluate your healing and measure your periodontal pockets
Prevention: The Key to Long-Term Periodontal Health
While scaling and root planing effectively treats active periodontal disease, prevention remains the best approach to maintaining oral health. After your deep cleaning, we’ll work with you to establish an effective home care routine and an appropriate professional maintenance schedule.
For patients with a history of periodontal disease, we often recommend more frequent professional cleanings – typically every 3-4 months rather than the standard twice-yearly schedule. This helps prevent bacterial recolonization and maintains the health of your gums and supporting bone.
Daily home care is equally important. We’ll provide detailed instructions on proper brushing and flossing techniques to keep bacteria at bay between your professional cleanings.
Why Choose Dental West NYC for Your Periodontal Care?
Our practice philosophy centers on minimally invasive, preventive dentistry using the most advanced technology. Our team includes Dr. Leora Walter, a surgically trained prosthodontist, and Dr. Michelle Kamel, who graduated with honors in Periodontics from New York University College of Dentistry and received extensive post-doctorate training in Periodontics & Implant Dentistry.
We take pride in our patient-centered approach, taking time to thoroughly explain your condition and treatment options. Our goal is to help you maintain your natural teeth for a lifetime through comprehensive prevention and targeted treatment when needed.
Book Your Appointment Today
Don’t ignore the signs of gum disease. Early intervention with scaling and root planing may help you avoid more extensive periodontal treatments in the future. At Dental West NYC, our periodontists are committed to providing the highest quality care in a comfortable, supportive environment. We offer free fluoride treatments during cleanings and use our advanced laser technology to leave your mouth healthier than with traditional cleaning methods alone.
Contact us today at (212) 580-4520 or book your appointment online to take the first step toward restoring your periodontal health and preserving your natural teeth for years to come.
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