Periodontal disease is common among adults. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent the condition from worsening. Drs. Mohammed Imam and Shafiulla Khan of Maine Center for Dental Medicine in Skowhegan, Maine put their patients’ health first using conservative, biologic dentistry practices. For gum disease, the team offers non-surgical periodontal therapy.
Non-surgical quadrant scaling
During regular brushing and routine dental cleanings, the crowns of the teeth are treated. However, your teeth extend below the gumline. Unfortunately, along the roots, bacteria, and signs of periodontal disease could be lurking. During a deep cleaning or scaling, the hygienist uses specialized instruments to remove bacteria from the root and the inside of the gums. By cleaning both sides, this allows them to heal back together better. The goal is to reduce the size of the pockets in the gums and to avoid bone loss.
Scaling is a treatment designed for patients with mild to moderate periodontal disease. Patients may be experiencing loss of attachment of the gums to the teeth. The treatment aims to rid the mouth of pathogens, particularly around and under the gum area. It removes the plaque that houses bacteria and prevents the toxins from spreading. Antimicrobial treatments may be used to destroy bacteria that naturally accumulate in the mouth.
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Scaling can be done as a full mouth treatment or separated into quadrant scaling. In the full mouth disinfection, the entire mouth is treated in one or two sittings depending on the extent of the disease. Quadrant scaling can also separate the treatment into multiple sessions. With quadrant scaling, the mouth is divided into four sections. Each section is treated during a given session. This gives the dentist time to appropriately focus on each area, especially if one section is more damaged than another.
Benefits and side effects
Deep cleaning and scaling are good options for patients with mild to moderate periodontal disease. Scaling is a beneficial therapy for the following reasons:
- Is a non-surgical treatment
- Gently removes tartar and bacteria
- Help keep periodontal disease from spreading
- Involves mild side effects
- Continues to destroy bacteria with the use of antimicrobial oral hygiene products
Side effects of non-surgical periodontal therapy are generally mild. Patients may experience minor gum discomfort, a dull ache, or sensitivity to cold or hot liquids. Side effects are temporary and can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.
For non-surgical periodontal therapy, contact Maine Center for Dental Medicine to schedule your appointment with Dr. Imam or Dr. Khan. Call [phone].