You’ve heard it before: Prevention is the best medicine. Preventative cleanings for your mouth are no exception!
Even if you brush and floss diligently, plaque and bacteria can accumulate along your teeth and gums. They hide in dark, hard-to-reach places that only your dentist can find. That’s why receiving a preventative cleaning, or prophylaxis, every six months is such an important part of your dental care.
Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy (Scaling & Root Planing)
Periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. Left untreated, gum disease causes serious complications like tooth loss, bone loss, and accelerated decay. This is why it’s so
important to receive periodontal therapy from your San Diego dentist. If your gum disease is treated early, scaling and root planing may be enough to stop the progression of the disease.
Scaling involves removing plaque and tartar from below the gumline. Since the inflammation of gum disease causes the gums to pull away from the teeth, spaces called pockets to develop where plaque and bacteria thrive. Scaling removes the dangerous toxins trapped in those pockets.
Root planing will smooth each tooth root, which helps the gums reattach to the tooth. This also reduces the size of gum pockets and prevents bacteria from becoming trapped below the gum line in the future. Dr. Carlo of Mission Valley may also recommend an antibiotic or other prescription to help your gum tissue heal after periodontal therapy.
“I am 75+ years old and have seen dentistry through many stages of development and many, many dentists during that time. Because of that history, I have developed a certain stress level when it comes to dental care. However, in the 15 years I have been a patient of Dr. Carlo, his painless procedures and efficient techniques have resulted in eliminating my stress threshold.”
Contact the office of Dr. William V. Carlo today to request a consultation by calling 619-285-0950. His facility, located at 9040 Friars Road, Suite #535, accepts new and established patients in and around the areas of San Diego and Bankers Hill.
