Scaling and Root Planing near Las Vegas, NV

If your initial stage of gum disease (gingivitis) has progressed to the second stage, periodontitis, then scaling and root planing (SRP) may be needed. SRP is a noninvasive procedure performed by Las Vegas dentist Dr. Michaela Tozzi to help eliminate periodontitis by removing built-up plaque and tartar from under the gumline. Using specific instruments, an SRP treatment at Michaela Tozzi, DMD  cleans under the gumline and smoothes the teeth to prevent further damage and future buildup. If you are worried about your gums, find out more about scaling and root planing at Michaela Tozzi, DMD in Henderson, NV. Our caring dental team can effectively treat your disease to restore your oral health so you can enjoy a healthy, radiant smile.

Scaling and root planing treatments performed at our Las Vegas, NV facility can help address gingivitis and keep more severe problems away. Benefits of this procedure at Michaela Tozzi, DMD include:

• Treating gum disease and preventing it from getting worse
• Making the gums cleaner and less susceptible to tooth loss
• Protecting your overall oral health
• Guarding against serious infection
• Potentially preventing the need for more invasive treatments
• Improving the look of your smile

During your dental exam, Dr. Tozzi will measure the depth of your gum pockets. In the event that your pockets are more than three millimeters, a scaling and root planing treatment may be recommended. SRP can help to decrease the size of the gum pockets so plaque and bacteria cannot accumulate in this area, which can lead to advanced periodontitis. Signs and symptoms of periodontitis include bleeding or tender gums, loose teeth, and gum recession. If you have noticed any of these signs, you should schedule a dental appointment right away.

Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning that may be done in our office with local anesthesia. Although it is a nonsurgical procedure, we may incorporate additional sedatives to help keep you calm and comfortable during your procedure. Let us know during your initial consultation if you have any dental anxieties so we can take extra care measurements to provide you with a great experience. SRP is a simple procedure that uses a specialized instrument to remove built-up tartar and plaque from the gum pockets. Once this process is complete, Dr. Tozzi will then smooth the surface of your teeth to help prevent future tartar and plaque from building up in these areas. Once the gums heal, it will minimize the depths of your gum pockets to provide additional protection against infection. Most patients typically need 1 – 4 treatments to complete their SRP therapy plan.

Following your SRP therapy, you may experience numbness due to the local anesthesia and tenderness or swelling in your gums. These sensations are normal and should dissipate in the next few days. These symptoms may also be eased with a cold compress or over-the-counter pain medication. Typically, Dr. Tozzi will prescribe a prescription or medicated mouthwash to help aid in your healing process. We encourage patients to practice a good oral hygiene regimen at home and to keep up with their yearly dental exams and biannual cleanings to maintain optimal oral health. If you have any questions or concerns during your recovery, do not hesitate to call our office. We are here to help.

SRP is a very common procedure that is generally covered in part by dental insurance. A member of our team can get in touch with your carrier to determine your coverage and individual expenses. If you do not have dental insurance, Michaela Tozzi, DMD takes many payments, including medical financing. Our practice takes great pride in providing gold-standard dental care and will do all we can to help make your treatment affordable. 

Does scaling and root planing hurt?
We utilize local anesthetic during the procedure to keep you as comfortable as possible. At Michaela Tozzi, DMD, we tend to schedule scaling and root planing in multiple appointments. Doing so helps ups make sure your mouth has the appropriate time to heal before moving to the next, meaning your pain when healing from treatment is managed and bearable.

Are there instructions for after the procedure?
You will want to wait to chew food until your mouth feels normal and pain-free. In the meantime, for 2 — 3 days after each procedure, we urge you to eat only soft foods. In addition, be gentle and take great care when brushing your teeth after the procedure until pain from the procedure is relieved.What should I eat after?

What should I eat after?
After your periodontal care in Las Vegas, NV, a soft food diet is our recommendation for your healing diet. You may want to include foods like smoothies, yogurt soups, and mashed potatoes. If you have any other questions about what you should or should not eat, or when to eat said foods, contact our office.

How long does scaling and root planing take?

The duration of scaling and root planing will depend on the extent of gum disease and the number of affected areas. Typically, scaling and root planing at Michaela Tozzi, DMD may take approximately 1 – 2 hours. Dr. Michaela Tozzi may be able to provide you with an estimated time at the start of your procedure.

How much does scaling and root planing cost?

The cost of scaling and root planing is based on the severity of gum disease, the number of affected areas, insurance coverage, and the number of sessions you may need. At Michaela Tozzi, DMD, we will provide a detailed treatment plan that includes a price estimate. We are committed to making quality dental care accessible and can work with you to explore low-cost financing options.

Do gums bleed during scaling and root planing?

It is common for gums to experience some bleeding during or after scaling and root planing in Las Vegas, NV. The procedure involves deep cleaning of the gum pockets to remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria, which may cause slight irritation to the gum tissue. As a result, you may notice mild bleeding during and after the treatment. However, this is normal and should subside within a few hours or days.

Gum disease can be harmful to your overall oral health and should be treated right away. If you suspect any issues with your oral structures, reach out to Michaela Tozzi, DMD in Henderson, NV to schedule an appointment with Las Vegas dentist Dr. Michaela Tozzi. Our talented and caring team can provide the care you need to get your oral health back on track.