Gum Disease Therapy
Scaling & Root Planing in North Conway, NH
A deep cleaning that treats infection below the gumline and supports healthier, tighter gums.
If your gums bleed, feel tender, or your breath won’t stay fresh, you may need more than a routine cleaning. Scaling and root planing removes harmful buildup from below the gums and smooths the tooth roots so tissue can heal. At White Mountain Dental in North Conway, NH, we focus on comfort, clear expectations, and long-term gum health.
Crafting Beautiful Smiles With Percision And Care
Scaling & Root Planing at White Mountain Dental
Scaling and root planing is a targeted deep cleaning used to treat gum disease by removing plaque and hardened buildup from below the gumline. At White Mountain Dental in North Conway, NH, this therapy helps reduce bleeding and inflammation, supports healthier gums, and can slow or stop the progression of periodontal disease.
Why You Might Need a Deep Cleaning
When bacteria collect under the gums, the tissue can pull away from the tooth, forming pockets that are difficult to clean with brushing and flossing alone. Over time, this can lead to chronic infection, gum recession, bone loss, and loose teeth. Deep cleaning removes the irritants so your gums have the chance to heal and reattach more firmly.
- Reduces bleeding and swelling Removes the buildup that triggers inflammation so gums can calm down.
- Targets infection below the gumline Cleans deeper areas where routine cleanings can’t reach.
- Helps gums tighten and heal Smooths root surfaces to discourage bacteria and support healthier attachment.
- Protects long-term tooth stability Slows gum disease to help preserve bone and reduce the risk of tooth loss.
What to Expect During Treatment
We’ll begin with an exam and measurements of gum pockets to understand where treatment is needed. We carefully remove plaque and tartar above and below the gumline, then smooth the root surfaces to make it harder for bacteria to stick. Many patients choose local numbing for comfort, and treatment is often completed in sections depending on the severity of the infection.
- Gentle local numbing options for comfort
- Precise cleaning below the gumline to remove hardened buildup
- Root smoothing to reduce irritation and support healing
- Follow-up gum measurements to track improvement
Aftercare, Results, and Next Steps
It’s normal to have mild tenderness or sensitivity for a few days as gums heal. Keeping the area clean at home is important, and we may recommend a medicated rinse or additional hygiene tips based on your needs. After treatment, we’ll re-check your gum health and discuss a maintenance schedule to help prevent relapse. If you’ve noticed bleeding gums or were told you have periodontal pockets, contact White Mountain Dental in North Conway, NH to schedule an evaluation and protect your smile.
Scaling & Root Planing FAQ
- What is scaling and root planing?
- It’s a deep cleaning that removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline and smooths the tooth roots. This helps reduce infection and supports gum healing.
- How is it different from a regular cleaning?
- A regular cleaning focuses on the tooth surfaces above the gums. Scaling and root planing cleans deeper under the gumline where periodontal pockets and infection can develop.
- Will it hurt?
- Most patients do well with local numbing, which keeps the appointment comfortable. You may feel pressure during cleaning and some tenderness afterward, but it’s typically manageable.
- How do I know if I need a deep cleaning?
- Common signs include bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, gum recession, puffiness, or deeper gum pocket measurements during an exam. X-rays may also show bone changes.
- How many visits will it take?
- That depends on how many areas need treatment and how deep the pockets are. Deep cleaning is often completed in sections so we can focus on comfort and thoroughness.
- What should I expect after treatment?
- You may have mild soreness, swelling, or sensitivity for a few days. As healing begins, many patients notice less bleeding and fresher breath. Let us know if discomfort feels severe or doesn’t improve.
- Will I need antibiotics?
- Not always. In some cases, we may recommend a medicated rinse or localized medication based on infection severity and healing response.
- Does deep cleaning cure gum disease?
- It can control gum disease and significantly improve gum health, especially when combined with consistent home care and maintenance visits. Periodontal disease can return if bacteria rebuild under the gums.
- How can I keep results long-term?
- Brush twice daily, floss or use interdental cleaners, and keep regular periodontal maintenance visits as recommended. Managing dry mouth, smoking, and grinding can also help.
- How do I get started?
- Schedule an evaluation so we can measure gum pockets and review the best plan for you. At White Mountain Dental in North Conway, NH, we’ll explain findings clearly and help you move forward comfortably.
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Fri–Sun: Closed
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