Man holding jaw in pain while brushing teeth

Scaling and Root Planing

If you have mild to moderate gum disease, it can cause red, swollen, tender gums; without treatment, the condition can advance in severity. We can eliminate the buildup of tartar and calculus below the gumline to protect your smile from the advanced stages of gum disease. Our periodontists may recommend scaling and root planing, a deep cleaning treatment to improve your oral health.

At Periodontal Associates of Jackson, P.A., in Jackson, MS, we welcome patients from Clinton, Ridgeland, and surrounding areas.

Why Choose Us?

Common Signs of Gum Disease

The early signs of gingivitis and moderate gum disease are often undetectable to the untrained eye, which is why it is vital to schedule a routine dental checkup every six months. If you do have gum disease, also known as periodontitis, you may have:

Red or inflamed gums
Tender gum tissue
Chronic bad breath
Dental sensitivity
Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
Gum recession
Tooth decay

Gum Disease Causes and Prevention

Gum disease is generally the result of poor oral hygiene, but can also be attributed to heredity, hormonal changes, smoking, and certain medications. Visiting the dentist for routine examinations and cleanings biannually can help prevent the onset of this condition.

What to Expect during Root Planing and Scaling

Numbing Solution

On the day of your procedure at our Jackson, MS, practice, we can apply a topical anesthetic to your gums for optimal comfort.

Root Scaling

Using a scaler device, our periodontists can gently remove plaque buildup, tartar, and bacteria from the tooth, including below the gumline and in between the teeth.

Root Planing

During the root planing phase of this deep cleaning procedure, we use a planing device to smooth the tooth roots, eliminating areas that can harbor infection-causing bacteria.

Antibiotics

If necessary, we can apply a topical antibiotic to the gumline as a defense against any remaining infection.

Healing Period

After the procedure, we provide detailed at-home care instructions to ensure your gums heal and properly reattach to the base of the tooth. We may recommend oral hygiene adjustments, such as special toothbrushes, toothpastes, or mouthwashes to help manage side effects and improve oral health.

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Three Reasons to Seek Treatment Early

1. Prevent Oral Damage

If left untreated, periodontitis can lead to:

Gum recession
Tooth loss
Dental misalignment
Jawbone atrophy
Soft and hard tissue loss
Chronic bad breath

2. Maintain Your Overall Health

Research has shown that the health of your smile can directly impact your overall health. Periodontal disease has been linked to digestive issues, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and other serious health conditions.

3. Save Money and Time

Addressing gum disease early with a scaling and root planing treatment can help you avoid costly surgical and restorative procedures in the future.

Comprehensive Care for Periodontal Disease

During your consultation, Dr. Parkes and Dr. Stewart can use the latest technology to evaluate the health of your smile and determine the extent of damage. We may recommend a scaling and root planing treatment for mild to moderate gum disease. But if your condition is advanced, more extensive procedures can help to preserve your oral health, including LANAP® laser surgery, soft tissue grafting, or the Chao Pinhole® surgical technique.

Periodontal Treatment

5-Star Reviews of Our Dentistry Practice

I had the best dental experience ever today with Dr. Stewart and his staff. They were professional, very caring, and made me feel comfortable. I will be recommending Dr. Stewart to all of my friends and family. Thanks again Dr. Stewart for curing my dentist anxiety.

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Dr. Roger Parks and his staff are extremely professional and compassionate! Their personal attention was invaluable to me before, during, and after my surgery! Very grateful!