Scaling and Root Planning (Deep Cleaning)
Are there any potential risks or side effects associated with Scaling and Root Planing?
As a periodontist at Washington Periodontics, I want to let you know that scaling and root planing is a routine and generally safe procedure. But, like any dental procedure, it does have some potential risks and side effects.
The most common side effects may be a bit of discomfort during and after the procedure, which might include tooth sensitivity and minor bleeding. These are normal reactions because the procedure involves cleaning deep into the gum line. We always use local anesthesia to lessen discomfort during the procedure, and any discomfort after the procedure can be handled with over-the-counter pain relievers.
In rare instances, there can be more serious complications like infection or periodontal abscess. But these are very rare and are more likely if you have a weakened immune system or certain pre-existing health conditions. At our practice, we do everything we can to minimize these risks, including thorough pre-procedure evaluations and strict hygiene practices.
It’s also important to mention that after the procedure, you might notice that your teeth are slightly loose or that your bite feels different. This is because, as the gums heal, they might shrink a bit, causing these changes. These issues usually sort themselves out over time, but we are always here to address any concerns you might have.
Scaling and root planing is a crucial procedure for treating gum disease and preventing further dental problems.
We’re proud to offer this service to our patients in Burke, Springfield, Woodbridge, Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, Lorton, Fairfax Station, City of Alexandria, Clifton, Oakton, Vienna, and Falls Church.
If you have any more questions or concerns about this procedure, please don’t hesitate to contact us at (703) 569-4040. Your oral health is our top priority.
How does Scaling and Root Planing contribute to my overall oral health?
As a periodontist at Christine Karapetian DDS, my goal is to help improve and maintain your oral health. One of the main treatments we provide is Scaling and Root Planing, which is crucial, especially for those dealing with gum diseases, like the early stages of periodontitis.
Scaling and Root Planing, often known as a deep cleaning, is a non-surgical process. It involves thoroughly removing dental plaque and tartar. We don’t just clean the visible parts of the teeth but also the root surfaces below the gum line. That’s what we call ‘scaling’. The ‘planing’ part is about smoothing the root surfaces. This helps to prevent more plaque and tartar from building up and also aids the gums in reattaching to the teeth.
This treatment is essential for your overall oral health because it fights gum disease directly. Gum disease is a common but serious issue that could lead to tooth loss if not treated by getting rid of harmful bacteria. Scaling and Root Planing can help stop further harm to your gums, teeth, and bone structures. It can even help to reverse the signs of gum disease.
Remember, good oral health is connected to your overall health. Studies have found links between gum disease and other systemic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory diseases. By taking care of your oral health with treatments like Scaling and Root Planing, you’re also looking after your overall wellbeing.
We’re pleased to offer this service to our existing patients and we’d love to provide it to potential new patients living in and around Burke, Springfield, Woodbridge, Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, Lorton, Fairfax Station, City of Alexandria, Clifton, Oakton, Vienna, and Falls Church.
If you’re noticing symptoms of gum disease, like red, swollen, or bleeding gums, I urge you to give us a call at (703) 569-4040.
You can schedule an appointment and we can discuss if Scaling and Root Planing could be a good treatment option for you.
How often should I get Scaling and Root Planing done for optimal dental health?
As a periodontist at Washington Periodontics, I can’t stress enough how important scaling and root planing can be for preventing gum disease and keeping your dental health in top shape. How often you need this treatment really depends on your gums and your overall oral health.
For those of you with healthy gums and who keep up with your oral hygiene, getting a professional cleaning every six months should do the trick. But if you’re seeing signs of gum disease like red, swollen, or bleeding gums, you might need scaling and root planing.
This procedure helps get rid of plaque and tartar that’s built up below the gum line. In these cases, you might need to come in for treatment every three to four months until your gums are back to being healthy.
Don’t forget, the aim of scaling and root planing isn’t just to treat gum disease, but to stop it from happening in the first place. Regular check-ups let us spot any potential problems early on and take steps to prevent them.
I want to encourage all our current patients and anyone living in and around Burke, Springfield, Woodbridge, Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, Lorton, Fairfax Station, City of Alexandria, Clifton, Oakton, Vienna, and Falls Church to think about adding scaling and root planing to their dental health routine.
Here at Washington Periodontics, your dental health is our top priority and we’re committed to giving you the best care possible.
If you want to talk about your needs or set up an appointment, just give us a call at (703) 569-4040.
What can I expect during the recovery period after Scaling and Root Planing?
After getting a Scaling and Root Planing at Washington Periodontics, you can look forward to a recovery period that’s generally quite comfortable. As your periodontist, I want you to know that we do everything we can to make sure you’re comfortable and safe during and after the procedure.
Right after the procedure, you might feel some sensitivity in your teeth and gums. This is normal, and it’s only temporary. The sensitivity happens because we remove plaque and tartar from below the gum line, which exposes parts of your teeth that were covered before. To help with this, we suggest using a toothpaste or mouth rinse that’s made to reduce sensitivity.
You might also see a bit of minor bleeding from your gums after the procedure. This is also normal and should resolve quickly. If the bleeding keeps up, please give our office a call at (703) 569-4040.
Keeping up with good oral hygiene practices during your recovery period is important. Brushing and flossing gently can help speed up the healing process and prevent infection. We also suggest rinsing your mouth with warm salt water a few times a day to help soothe your gums and promote healing.
You should be able to get back to your normal activities the day after the procedure. But, we suggest not doing any heavy physical activity for at least 24 hours to prevent any more bleeding.
When it comes to what you should eat, we suggest sticking to soft foods and avoiding anything hard, crunchy, or spicy that could irritate your gums. Drinking lots of water will also help keep your mouth clean and hydrated.
Don’t forget, Scaling and Root Planing is a key part of treating and preventing periodontal disease. We’re proud to offer this service to our patients in Burke, Springfield, Woodbridge, Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, Lorton, Fairfax Station, City of Alexandria, Clifton, Oakton, Vienna, Falls Church, and the surrounding areas.
Here at Christine Karapetian DDS, we’re dedicated to your oral health and well-being. We’re here to support you throughout your recovery and beyond.
If you have any more questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our office.
Benefits of having Scaling and Root Planing
Here at Washington Periodontics, led by the expertise of Christine Karapetian, we provide a variety of services, one of which is Scaling and Root Planing. This treatment is especially helpful for those dealing with gum disease. It aids in thoroughly cleaning your teeth, getting beneath the gum line to clear out plaque and tartar.
One of the main reasons to get your Scaling and Root Planing done with us is our dedication to your comfort and your health. We utilize cutting-edge techniques and tools to make sure the procedure is as pain-free and as comfortable as it can be. Plus, our team is highly trained and experienced, enabling us to deliver the most effective treatment with the least amount of discomfort.
Another big plus is our location. We’re conveniently situated for folks living in and around areas like Burke, Springfield, Woodbridge, Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, Lorton, Fairfax Station, City of Alexandria, Clifton, Oakton, Vienna, and Falls Church. This makes it easy for our patients to reach us without having to travel far.
Scaling and Root Planing is a key part of periodontal therapy. It doesn’t just treat current gum disease, but also helps prevent future periodontal issues. By removing plaque and tartar from below the gum line, we can help lower inflammation and infection, prevent tooth loss, and enhance overall oral health.
At Washington Periodontics, we believe in educating our patients about their oral health. We make sure you understand the importance of this treatment and how it contributes to your overall health. We’re always here to answer your questions or address any concerns, ensuring you feel confident and knowledgeable about your treatment.
So, whether you’re an existing patient or potentially a new one, we welcome you to experience the benefits of Scaling and Root Planing at Washington Periodontics. Don’t hesitate to give us a call at (703) 569-4040 to book an appointment or to discuss any questions you may have about this treatment. We’re excited to provide you with top-notch periodontal care.
How Our Collaborative Care Approach Supports Your Health
Sure, I can definitely break down how our team works together for you. As a periodontist at Washington Periodontics, my expertise lies in preventing, diagnosing, and treating gum diseases and placing dental implants. One of the services we provide is Scaling and Root Planing, a deep cleaning process that’s effective in controlling gum disease.
Your primary physician, your general dentist, and our office form a team to ensure you receive comprehensive and coordinated care. Your primary physician looks after your overall health, and they can give us important details about any health conditions you have that might impact your oral health, like diabetes or heart disease.
Your general dentist usually takes care of your regular dental needs, such as fillings and crowns. If they spot signs of gum disease during your regular visits, they’ll refer you to our office for specialized care. They might also refer you to us if you need more advanced dental procedures, like dental implants.
Once you’re referred to us, we’ll collaborate closely with both your primary physician and your general dentist. We’ll review your medical and dental records, carry out a detailed examination, and come up with a treatment plan that’s tailored just for you. This plan might include Scaling and Root Planing if you show signs of gum disease.
After your treatment, we’ll keep in touch with your primary physician and general dentist. We’ll keep them updated about your gum health and any treatments you’ve undergone. We also suggest that you come in for regular check-ups at our office, so we can keep an eye on your progress and tweak your treatment plan if needed.
This team-based approach ensures that every aspect of your health is taken into account and that you get the best care possible. We’re proud to serve folks living in and around Burke, Springfield, Woodbridge, Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, Lorton, Fairfax Station, City of Alexandria, Clifton, Oakton, Vienna, and Falls Church. If you have more questions or if you’re ready to book an appointment, just give us a call at (703) 569-4040.
Patient safety and comfort during the Scaling and Root Planing procedure
At Christine Karapetian DDS, your safety and comfort are always at the forefront, especially when it comes to procedures like Scaling and Root Planing. This deep cleaning technique is used to treat gum disease. It can seem a bit scary. But I promise you, we’ve got a whole series of steps in place to make sure you’re comfortable and safe from start to finish.
Before we even start the procedure, we do a complete checkup to get a clear picture of your oral health and systemic health. This lets us spot any potential risks and customize the procedure to suit you. We also take time to walk you through the procedure, answer any questions, and let you know what to expect. This way, we can help ease any worries or fears you may have.
When it comes to the actual procedure, we use local anesthesia to numb the area we’re working on. This means you’ll feel very little discomfort. Plus, we use top-of-the-line tools and techniques that let us carry out the procedure accurately, reducing any potential harm to the tissues around the area.
After the procedure, we’ll give you a detailed rundown of how to take care of yourself and we’re always here to answer your questions. We also set up follow-up appointments to keep an eye on your healing and make sure there are no issues.
We know that everyone’s different and has their own comfort levels. So, if you’re feeling particularly nervous about the procedure, we’re more than happy to talk to you about sedation options. Our team is trained to create a calm and reassuring environment and we’re dedicated to making your experience as comfortable as possible.
If you’re based in or around Burke, Springfield, Woodbridge, Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, Lorton, Fairfax Station, City of Alexandria, Clifton, Oakton, Vienna, or Falls Church, and you need periodontal care, don’t hesitate to give us a call at (703) 569-4040. We’re here to help you keep your oral health in check and to make sure your experience with us is a good one.
Struggling with Gum Disease? This Simple Deep Cleaning Can Help!
Here at Washington Periodontics, led by Christine Karapetian DDS PC, we provide a variety of services. One of these is Scaling and Root Planing, a method we use to treat and prevent gum disease.
Scaling and Root Planing is a non-invasive treatment. It involves a deep clean of the root surfaces to clear away plaque and tartar from the deep pockets of the gums. This process also smooths the root of the tooth to get rid of bacterial toxins. The goal? To stop gum disease in its tracks and create an environment that lets the gums heal and reattach to the teeth.
So, how does it work? We start with a thorough check-up of your oral health to determine how far the gum disease has progressed.
We use local anesthesia to make sure you’re comfortable during the treatment. The scaling part of the treatment is all about removing the plaque and tartar both above and below the gum line, cleaning right down to the bottom of the pocket.
The root planing part of the process is where we smooth the roots of the teeth to help your gums reattach to your teeth.
After the procedure, we’ll give you detailed instructions for taking care of your teeth and gums at home. This includes the correct way to brush and floss, eating a balanced diet, and the importance of regular dental check-ups.
We might also suggest specific oral care products to help with healing and maintaining oral health.
We know that every patient is different, and we adjust our approach to fit your specific needs and comfort level. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing top-quality care and making sure every patient has a positive, comfortable experience.
If you’re in or around Burke, Springfield, Woodbridge, Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, Lorton, Fairfax Station, City of Alexandria, Clifton, Oakton, Vienna, or Falls Church, we’d love to have you come experience our exceptional service.
Please give us a call at (703) 569-4040 to set up an appointment or to learn more about the Scaling and Root Planing procedure. We’re excited to help you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile.
Post-Op Instructions
Essential Post-operative Care Tips
Hello, and welcome to Washington Periodontics. I’m Dr. Karapetian, and today I want to share some important post-operative care tips to help you recover smoothly and comfortably after your procedure.
Whether you’re a resident of Burke, Virginia, or the surrounding areas, these guidelines are designed to ensure your healing process is as seamless as possible.
First and foremost, it’s crucial to let the anesthetic wear off before you eat or drink anything hot. This helps prevent accidental burns or bites while your mouth is still numb.
For the first 24 hours, avoid rinsing, spitting, drinking through a straw, or smoking. These actions can disrupt the healing process and should be avoided to ensure optimal recovery. Additionally, steer clear of alcohol during this time.
When it comes to your diet, opt for softer foods and avoid anything crunchy, crusty, hard, or spicy. Foods with seeds should also be avoided. If your treatment was on one side of your mouth, try to chew on the opposite side. For procedures involving the front teeth, it’s best to cut your food into smaller pieces and chew with your back teeth.
It’s also important to avoid touching or pulling on your lips to inspect the surgical area. This can cause unnecessary tension and potentially damage the site. Trust the healing process and give your body the time it needs to recover.
Make sure to complete your course of antibiotics and take any prescribed pain medication as directed. It’s best to start your medication on the morning of your procedure, ideally on a full stomach, unless I’ve advised otherwise.
To minimize swelling, apply an ice pack to the outside of your face. Use it for 10 minutes on and 10 minutes off, continuing this routine for about 24 to 36 hours.
Starting the day after your procedure, you can gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water two or three times a day. Additionally, begin swabbing the surgical area gently with Chlorhexidine Gluconate, the blue solution, two to three times daily. Remember, do not rinse with the Chlorhexidine.
You should continue brushing and flossing your teeth as you normally would, but be sure to avoid the surgical area until further instructions are given.
If you experience any bleeding, do not spit. Instead, wet a tea bag and place it gently on the surgical area with light pressure for 10 to 15 minutes. This can help control the bleeding. If you have any concerns, please call me immediately.
These instructions are designed to help you heal comfortably and effectively. If you have any questions or face an emergency, my cell phone number is on the bottom of the post-operative directions provided to you in the goodie bag.
Thank you for choosing Washington Periodontics. We’re here to support you on your journey to better oral health. Take care and heal well.