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May
Maintaining the health of your teeth and gums is essential for a bright smile and overall well-being. Tooth scaling and root planing are effective dental procedures that help achieve this goal. At North Bay Smiles in Petaluma, California, Dr. Yvonne Szyperski and her team emphasize the importance of regular dental visits, recommending two appointments each year to ensure optimal oral health.
Dr. Szyperski will thoroughly evaluate your teeth before starting any procedure. She will use x-rays and specific measurements to determine the extent of any gum disease that may be present. When it’s time to start the procedure, anesthesia will be given to numb the soft tissues and gums. This ensures that discomfort will be kept to a minimum during the procedure. She will explain what is going on every step of the way.
During the tooth scaling, Dr. Szyperski will use a special tool to scrape away any plaque or tartar that has built up next to or under the gum line. When plaque and tartar make their way beneath the gums, it can cause your teeth to loosen. The trapped plaque and tartar can weaken the delicate enamel of the teeth and eventually lead to gum disease and tooth decay. Tooth decay will ultimately result in cavities or extensive damage to the teeth.
When plaque and tartar attach to teeth, ridges can occur on the surface of the teeth. Root planing involves smoothing down these ridges so that the gum tissue can reattach itself to the surface of the teeth. It is much harder for plaque and tartar to form on a smooth surface. By planing the roots of your teeth, Dr. Szyperski provides a smooth surface that is more suitable for healthy gums. Your teeth will look healthier, too.
After the scaling and planing procedures are complete, Dr. Szyperski will provide you with an antibacterial mouthwash to rinse your mouth and keep bacteria to a minimum. She may also prescribe an antibiotic to reduce your risk of infection. Anytime food or bacteria becomes lodged between your teeth or under your gums; infection is a possibility. Antibacterial mouthwash and antibiotics are effective in mitigating those risks.
Practicing good oral hygiene every day will help your gums heal much faster. Our team will schedule a follow-up appointment one or two weeks after your procedure. During your follow-up appointment, Dr. Szyperski will check to make sure your gums have reattached to the surface of your teeth, and there are no signs of infection. She will also look for any signs that tartar and plaque have started to build up again.
We will be able to advise if these procedures will benefit you. Teeth scaling and root planing can be quite beneficial in preventing tooth decay and gum disease. Dr. Szyperski of North Bay Smiles in Petaluma, CA, offers these and many other procedures to her patients. Keeping your teeth strong is essential for good oral and dental health. Call us at (707) 306-8001 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Yvonne Szyperski, DDS, graduated from the University of the Pacific Dental School in San Francisco in 1997. She is an experienced dentist and an active member of the American Dental Association, the California Dental Association, and the Redwood Empire Dental Society. Dr. Szyperski is committed to delivering comprehensive and personalized dental care and staying current with advancements in the field through her involvement in these professional organizations.