Root Planing for Periodontitis
What is Periodontitis?
Periodontitis is a severe gum infection that damages the soft tissue and destroys the bone supporting the teeth.
Symptoms
- Deep gum pockets
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Pus between teeth and gums
- Bone loss visible on X-ray
How Root Planing Treats Periodontitis
Root planing smooths the root surfaces of teeth to remove bacterial toxins and create a clean surface for gum tissue to reattach. It's typically performed alongside deep cleaning for comprehensive periodontal treatment.
Procedure Steps
- 1Periodontal probing and assessment
- 2Anesthesia
- 3Root surface debridement
- 4Follow-up evaluation
Recovery Time:1-2 days
Average Cost:$200-$500
FAQ
What's the difference between scaling and root planing?
Scaling removes tartar from tooth surfaces, while root planing specifically smooths the root surfaces below the gumline.
How effective is root planing?
Very effective for early to moderate gum disease. Many patients see significant improvement in gum pocket depth after treatment.
Can teeth lost to periodontitis be replaced?
Yes, after treating the gum disease, dental implants can replace teeth lost to periodontitis.
How is severe periodontitis treated?
Treatment includes deep cleaning, possible surgery to reduce pocket depth, and ongoing maintenance.