Dr. Kevin Lacour and Dr. Charles Burch will check for signs of periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, during each of your routine dental exams. Gum disease can be devastating to your oral health, and by diagnosing and treating it early we can prevent significant damage and help you regain your oral health.

Gum disease is a dental condition that begins with an infection in your gums. The bacteria in your mouth inflame and infect the gums, and if left untreated will gradually progress until they destroy your gums and supporting bone structure. Common signs of gum disease include:

  • Red, swollen or tender gums
  • Easly bleeding the of the gums
  • Gum recession
  • Loose or separating teeth
  • Sores in your mouth
  • Persistent bad breath
  • Pus between the gums and teeth
  • Changes in your bite or in the fit of oral appliances

One of the first treatments our dentists may recommend if you develop gum disease is scaling and root planing. Scaling and root planing is one of the most effective treatments for the more mild forms of gum disease, and work by removing the plaque, bacteria and tartar which host the disease-causing bacteria in your mouth. It involves two main steps:

  • Scaling, during which the plaque and tartar are removed from your tooth surfaces
  • Root planing, during which the roots of your teeth are cleaning and smoothed to remove bacterial toxins

Depending on your needs, our dentists may combine scaling and root planning with other periodontal therapies, as well as with an improved oral hygiene routine at home, to achieve the best results.

Scaling and root planing can be completed comfortably without an anesthetic, though our dentists will have anesthetic and other comfort options available if you desire them. We may also split your scaling and root planing treatment into several appointments, during which we will focus on one section of the mouth at a time.

If you have any questions about scaling and root planing in Athens, Georgia, or to schedule a consultation with our experienced dentists, call Athens Dental Design at 706-353-7860.