Scaling and Root Planing in Katy, TX

MINT dentistry in Houston, TX wants to help patients of all ages and walks of life achieve a healthy, beautiful smile that lasts a lifetime. Our goal is to stay one step ahead of dental conditions with regular checkups and dental cleanings, but if you have symptoms of gum disease, a standard cleaning may not be enough. MINT dentistry utilizes advanced techniques to treat the earliest stage of gum disease (gingivitis) with scaling and root planing (SRP). This nonsurgical procedure is performed by one of our board-certified doctors to help eliminate gum disease by removing plaque and tartar that has built up under the gumline. This specialized procedure cleans out the gum pockets, then the enamel is smoothed to prevent future buildup. If you have reason to believe you are suffering from the beginning stages of gum disease, schedule a consultation at our state-of-the-art office in Houston, TX. Regardless of the condition of your mouth and gums, MINT dentistry can help you achieve a sexy, attractive smile with diligent, professional care.

During your dental exam, one of our skilled dental professionals will check the depth of your gum pockets. If the pockets, also known as sulcus, are greater than three millimeters, a scaling and root planing treatment may be recommended. SRP helps to reduce the size of your gum pockets so plaque and bacteria cannot collect in this area, which leads to the first stage of gum disease (gingivitis). Some of the early symptoms of gum disease are chronic bad breath, loose teeth, as well as gums that are swollen, tender, bleed, look red, and are pulling away from the teeth. If gum disease is discovered early on, one or more SRP treatment can reverse symptoms; however, if gum disease has progressed to later stages (periodontitis or advanced periodontitis), you may require more extensive treatments.

A deep cleaning with scaling and root planing can be performed in our office with local anesthesia to numb the areas being treated. We may also recommend one of our sedation dentistry techniques if you feel anxious or stressed about having this procedure. Before your procedure begins, you can enjoy relaxing in an extremely comfortable, massage-style treatment chair. After selecting your choice of music and putting on a pair of our Beats headphones, you will be given MINT sunglasses to help you feel at ease. Next, the predetermined anesthesia will be administered to ensure you will not feel discomfort. When you are ready, one of our board-certified dentists will use a scaling instrument to clean out built-up plaque and tartar in your gum pockets. We will then smooth or plane the exterior of your teeth to reduce the number of areas where plaque and tartar can become trapped to prevent future buildup.

After your treatment, you may experience increased gum and tooth sensitivity, as well as temporary numbness from the local anesthetic. One of our MINT specialists may prescribe antibiotics to help eliminate any remaining bacteria in your gums. You should follow a good oral care routine at home, including proper brushing and flossing, to keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy. You should continue to schedule appointments twice a year for cleanings and an exam, so the MINT dentistry team can monitor the health of your gums and teeth. Depending on the condition of your gums after an SRP treatment, you may need a second procedure to fully restore your oral health.

Since scaling and root planing is a treatment for gingivitis, it's usually covered in part by dental insurance. If you have dental insurance, the MINT dentistry support staff will contact your carrier to determine your coverage and personal costs. If you do not have dental insurance, MINT dentistry is committed to helping you afford your dental procedures by accepting many different payment methods, including medical financing, which can be discussed during your consultation. Ask a member of our team about the MINT Discount Plan, which can help you afford everything you need to get a healthy, beautiful smile.

Gum disease affects your health and prevents you from having a truly gorgeous smile. However, the early stage of gum disease, called gingivitis, can usually be treated with a simple scaling and root planing treatment at MINT dentistry in Houston, TX. Please contact us to get more information or to schedule an appointment. We look forward to surpassing your expectations and helping you achieve a healthy, luminous smile.