Scaling and Root Planing

Healthy gums fit snugly around each tooth. When plaque hardens into tartar along and under the gumline, the gums can pull away and form pockets. Those pockets collect more bacteria than a toothbrush or floss can remove at home. Over time, this can affect the gums and the bone that support your teeth.

Scaling and root planing works in two parts. Scaling removes plaque and tartar from the tooth surfaces above and below the gumline, down into the pocket. Root planing smooths the root surfaces so the gums have a cleaner surface to reattach to and bacteria have fewer places to settle. We often treat the mouth in sections, so you can focus on one area at a time.

Scaling and root planing helps patients whose gum problems have moved beyond what a standard cleaning can address. Some notice symptoms on their own. Others learn about it during a dental exam when we measure gum pockets and review X-rays. Signs that may lead us to recommend it include:

• Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
• Red, swollen or tender gums
• Persistent bad breath
• Gums that look like they are pulling away from the teeth
• Teeth that feel loose or look like they are shifting

This care matters for many kinds of patients. A busy parent may have missed a few cleanings. A senior may have crowns, bridges or a partial denture, which make careful gum care especially important. Someone planning restorative work may need healthier gums before that work begins. Because we provide preventive, restorative and replacement care under one roof, we can treat gum disease with your whole mouth and future plans in mind.

What happens after treatment, and how do I keep my results?

After scaling and root planing, your daily home care makes a real difference. Gentle, thorough brushing and cleaning between the teeth help the gums settle and heal. We will show you techniques suited to your mouth, especially if you have restorations or replacement teeth that need extra attention.

Gum disease is managed over time rather than handled in a single visit. We will check how your gums respond at a follow-up appointment. Many patients then move to periodontal maintenance, cleanings scheduled more often than a standard cleaning, to keep bacteria under control below the gumline. You see Dr. Buitrago at every visit, so the same dentist follows your progress from one appointment to the next. Dr. Buitrago is a prosthodontist, a dentist with three additional years of specialty training in replacing and restoring teeth, which helps when gum health and restorations need to be planned together.

When should I schedule a gum evaluation?

The best time is when you first notice bleeding, tenderness or changes in your gums, or if it has been a while since your last cleaning. Gum disease often develops quietly, and earlier treatment keeps more options open.

We see patients from Coral Springs, Parkland, Coconut Creek, Margate, Tamarac and nearby communities at 2232 N University Drive, Suite B. If your gums have been bothering you, or you simply want to know where you stand, contact our office to schedule an exam. We will look closely, explain what we find in plain terms, and help you take the next step toward healthier gums.