Scaling and Root Planing Indianapolis, IN

At MINT dentistry, we want to assist patients of all ages throughout the Indianapolis, IN area achieve a healthy, long-lasting, and stunning smile. Our goal is to help you avoid dental issues by recommending proactive oral health care like exams and cleanings, but if you develop signs of gum disease, your regular cleanings twice a year might not be enough. MINT dentistry uses modern techniques to treat the progression of periodontitis through scaling and root planing (SRP) treatment. SRP is a nonsurgical procedure performed by one of our MINT dentistry practitioners to clear away tartar and plaque collected below the gumline and in the spaces between your teeth and gums. This treatment can help decrease active gum disease, heal gum tissues, and improve gum health. If you have signs of gum disease, contact us to make an appointment at our state-of-the-art office in Indianapolis, IN. Whether your mouth is already healthy or you have signs of gum disease, MINT dentistry can help you achieve sexy teeth with proactive care and advanced treatments.

The disease-causing bacteria that live within the tartar and plaque buildup on your teeth cause your gums to pull away from tooth roots, leading to jawbone deterioration. At your annual exam, one of our skilled MINT dental professionals will check your periodontal pockets and capture dental radiographs to check the level of the bone tissue supporting your teeth. If the pockets are three millimeters or greater and we can see bone deterioration on your x-rays, we may recommend scaling and root planing treatment. A few symptoms of a periodontal infection are often chronic halitosis (bad breath), loose teeth, and tender, inflamed gums that have started to become red, bleed easily, or recede. When gum disease gets diagnosed in the earliest stage, scaling and root planing services can control the condition. However, if it has progressed to advanced periodontitis (the later stages), you might require another treatment to meet your periodontal needs.

A local anesthetic is used to numb the treatment areas before starting an SRP treatment. We can also review stronger sedation techniques if you feel anxious or stressed about having this procedure. At the start of your appointment, we'll ask you to sit back and relax in a massaging treatment chair. You'll choose music to listen to through our Beats headphones; then, you will be given sleek MINT sunglasses to help you feel at ease. Once prepped, one of the experienced dental professionals will utilize hand and ultrasonic instruments to clean out the plaque and tartar that have built up in the periodontal pockets. We will then meticulously perform root planing and smooth the tooth roots. Developing a clean, healthy area can enable the gumline to re-adhere to the tooth root and minimizes the spaces where tartar and plaque can thrive.

You’ll notice a temporary numbing sensation after your SRP treatment due to the local anesthetic. It is also normal to have gum tenderness and sensitivity in your teeth for a day or two. Our MINT dentistry team will provide post-op recommendations on taking care of your teeth and gums during the healing phase. It is important to adhere to a proper dental care regimen, including daily flossing and brushing, to keep your mouth healthy. Our Indianapolis, IN dentists may suggest a periodontal maintenance plan to help maintain periodontitis and help stop active infections from developing. Typically occurring 3 – 4 times a year, periodontal maintenance visits replace biannual dental cleanings and enable our practitioners to monitor your gum and jawbone health closely.

Scaling and root planing treatments are usually partly covered by dental insurance providers. If you have insurance, our team will contact your carrier to understand your policy's specific coverage and then calculate your out-of-pocket costs. For patients who don't have dental insurance, MINT dentistry in Indianapolis, IN is committed to helping you afford your dental procedures by taking several payment methods, including medical financing, which we can tell you about in your initial consultation. Ask one of our dental professionals about the MINT Discount Plan, which can help you afford everything you need to get a healthy, beautiful smile.

Having your best smile can be disrupted by gum disease. However, when periodontal disease is identified early, we can typically manage the condition with SRP (scaling and root planing). Schedule a consultation at MINT dentistry in Indianapolis, IN to find out your treatment options for gum disease. We look forward to surpassing your expectations and helping you achieve a radiant and healthy smile.