Services > Gum Therapy
Gum Therapy-Scaling and Root Planning (SRP) in North Andover
Your gums are the foundation for your teeth. Think of your teeth as trees and your gums as soil from which the trees grow and thrive. If your gums are not healthy, they cannot provide strong support for the teeth regardless of how healthy your teeth appear to be. With thorough and proper brushing and flossing techniques, plaque can be removed with ease. However, when plaque is left unclean from the tooth surface, it reacts with your saliva and forms chalky calcium deposit called tartar, also known as calculus. Plaque and tartar above and below the gumline harbor bacteria, which cause gums to pull away from the teeth creating pockets. This process in turn results in bone loss, and in severe cases, cause tooth loss. Dr. Lee and the staff are more than happy to answer any questions about gum therapy, please contact our office at (978)965-4315.
What happens during gum therapy?
When you are diagnosed with periodontal disease, we will recommend gum therapy (scaling and root planing) as your treatment plan. During gum therapy, local anesthetic is used to make you more comfortable throughout the procedure. By using our special instruments, we are able to clean and smoothen the root surface of teeth below the gumline so that the gums can heal and reattach to the teeth. After the completion of gum infection therapy, our staff will re-evaluate your gums and oral hygiene to determine the next course of treatment. It may be necessary for you to return for more frequent cleaning visit to closely monitor the condition of your gums.
Does my insurance cover gum therapy (scaling and root planning)?
Yes, most insurance plans cover a portion of the cost for gum treatment. After gum treatment is completed, you will need to be seen for more frequent cleanings (every 3-4 months) to ensure that periodontal disease is kept under control and does not worsen over time.
Does gum therapy (scaling and root planing) hurt?
Since we make sure that you are numb with local anesthetics, you won’t have any discomfort. After completion of gum therapy, your gums and teeth may be more sensitive to hot or cold for several days to weeks while your gums heal and re-attach to the roots of the teeth. Here are some of the ways to help you manage the sensitivity during the healing time.
- First, try to avoid extremely hot and cold food or drinks that can potentially trigger hypersensitivity.
- Take over the counter pain medication such as Tylenol (Acetaminophen), Advil (Ibuprofen) or Aleve (Naproxen). Please make sure you are not allergic to any of the pain medication.
- Rinse your mouth with prescribed Chlorhexidine mouthrinse (twice a day) for no more than 2 weeks. You can also rinse with warm salt water as much as needed to help expedite the healing process.
- Brush with desensitizing toothpaste that helps with sensitivity.
- You may need fluoride varnish or desensitizing agent to help further with sensitivity. Dr.Lee will apply them for you in our office.