Scaling and Root Planing in Pasadena, TX

At MINT dentistry in Pasadena, TX, we want to help all of our patients get a beautiful smile that lasts a long time. Ideally, we try to prevent dental problems with annual exams and bi-annual cleanings; however, if you develop signs of gum disease, you may need more than a regular cleaning. MINT dentistry uses modern tools and techniques to address gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease, through scaling and root planing. SRP (scaling and root planing) is a simple treatment that is done by a board-certified MINT dentist to treat gum disease by cleaning out built-up plaque and tartar from below the gumline. This advanced treatment begins with cleaning out the gum pockets, then the teeth are smoothed or planed to minimize new buildup. If you notice symptoms of gum disease, contact us to make an appointment at our modern practice in Pasadena, TX. Whether your mouth is already healthy or you have signs of gum disease, we will help you get sexy teeth with proactive care and advanced treatments.

At your annual examination, your dentist will look at the pockets of your gums. If the sulcus (gum pockets) are too deep, we will recommend a scaling and root planing treatment. Scaling and root planing (SRP) is performed to clean out your gum pockets and reduce their depth to eliminate buildup under the gumline, which is the main cause of gingivitis — the first stage of gum disease. The first signs of gingivitis are chronic halitosis (bad breath), teeth that feel loose, plus tender, inflamed gums that bleed, look red, and are pulling away from the teeth. When gum disease is diagnosed in the earliest stage, a scaling and root planing treatment or multiple SRP treatments can improve the condition, but if it has developed into periodontitis or advanced periodontitis (the later stages), you might need a different procedure.

A deep cleaning with scaling and root planing is done in our practice with your gums numbed using local anesthesia. Your dentist can also review stronger sedation techniques to help you with stress or anxiety. At the start of your appointment, we'll ask you to sit back and relax in a massaging chair. You'll choose music to listen to through our Beats headphones, then we'll give you some sleek MINT sunglasses to protect your eyes. Then, we will administer your anesthesia to keep you comfortable and relaxed during your procedure. Once you've been prepped, your experienced dentist will start with a scaling tool to carefully remove all the build up under your gumline. The dentist will then plane (smooth) the enamel so there are less crevices where plaque, tartar, and bacteria get trapped.

Immediately following your treatment, you should expect extra sensitivity, plus numbness until the local anesthesia wears off. Your dentist might write a prescription for antibiotics to fight any residual infection in your mouth. You need an oral hygiene routine at home, which includes daily flossing and brushing, to make your mouth healthy and bright. Keep scheduling appointments twice a year for cleanings and an exam, so your dentist can check your oral health. Based on the results of your treatment, we might recommend another treatment to fully repair your gums.

Since scaling and root planing is a treatment for gingivitis, it's typically covered at least partially by most dental insurance policies. If you are using insurance, our team will reach out to your insurance company to understand what your policy covers and your remaining costs. For patients who don't have insurance, we are committed to making necessary oral health treatments affordable by taking many methods of payment, like low-interest financing, which we can tell you about in your initial consultation. Ask a MINT dental professional about the MINT Discount Plan, which can help you afford everything you need to get a healthy, beautiful smile.

An infection in your gums negatively impacts your overall health and keeps you from getting your best smile. The first stage of gum disease, gingivitis, can typically be effectively reversed with SRP (scaling and root planing) at our office in Pasadena, TX. Contact MINT dentistry to get more information or to schedule an appointment. Our team of dental health professionals will work to restore your gums and help you get sexy teeth.