Periodontal | Steinbicker Family Dentistry • Mebane, NC

Our Mebane dentists at Steinbicker Family Dentistry perform periodontal therapy. This dental treatment involves scaling and root planing (i.e., deep cleanings).

What is periodontal therapy?

The American Dental Association (i.e., ADA) recommends getting your teeth cleaned every six months. However, this treatment is for patients with regular, healthy teeth, gums and surrounding bone. Dentists (i.e., Dr. Steinbicker) call the surrounding tissue, gums, and bone of teeth the periodontium. If patients have bone loss or a loss in their periodontium, they have periodontal disease.

Patients with periodontal disease need a deep cleaning or scaling and root planing. Most dental insurances cover the cost or a portion of the cost of deep cleaning, including Medicaid. Without periodontal therapy, patients with periodontal disease can lose their teeth. Even without tooth decay, teeth with the periodontal disease become loose and eventually fall out.

What is scaling and root planing?

Deep cleaning involves debriding the root and tooth surfaces with dental instruments by a dental hygienist.

How often do I need periodontal therapy?

Patients that receive scaling and root planing often get treatment every three to four months. Patients that have bone loss can take essential steps to avoid an increase in periodontal disease. Good oral hygiene is vital including the use of an electric toothbrush. Avoiding alcohol and smoking are critical steps to take to prevent bone loss.