Understanding Periodontics Through Scaling and Root Planing
Dentist Grants Pass
Periodontics is the dental specialty focused on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum disease, which affects the tissues that support and surround the teeth. The earliest stage of gum disease, gingivitis, often presents with symptoms such as red, swollen gums, bleeding during brushing, and persistent bad breath. If left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, a more serious condition in which the gums begin to pull away from the teeth, forming pockets that can harbor bacteria and lead to bone loss. Scaling and root planing is the cornerstone treatment within periodontics to combat these issues. This non-surgical deep cleaning procedure removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline and smooths the root surfaces to encourage gum reattachment and healing. It plays a critical role in stopping the progression of gum disease, preserving the supporting structures of the teeth, and restoring oral health. Dr. Niklaus Spendlove provides meticulous, personalized care when performing scaling and root planing, helping patients reverse inflammation, reduce periodontal pockets, and avoid more invasive treatment in the future through targeted, evidence-based periodontal therapy.
Periodontitis Prevalence and Clinical Findings in U.S. Adults
Adults Age 30 and Older With Periodontitis
42
Adults Age 30 and Older With Severe Periodontitis
7.8
Probed Sites With Pocket Depths of 4 Millimeters or Greater
3.3
Teeth With Pocket Depths of 4 Millimeters or Greater
9.1
Probed Sites With Clinical Attachment Loss of 3 Millimeters or Greater
19
Teeth With Clinical Attachment Loss of 3 Millimeters or Greater
37
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| Periodontal Finding | Percentage | What the Data Shows |
|---|---|---|
| Adults age 30 and older with periodontitis | 42% | A nationally representative JADA study estimated that 42% of dentate U.S. adults age 30 and older had periodontitis. |
| Adults age 30 and older with severe periodontitis | 7.8% | Severe periodontitis affected an estimated 7.8% of dentate adults age 30 and older. |
| Probed sites with pocket depths of 4 millimeters or greater | 3.3% | Periodontal probing found pocket depths of at least 4 millimeters at 3.3% of all examined sites. |
| Teeth with pocket depths of 4 millimeters or greater | 9.1% | At least one pocket measuring 4 millimeters or greater was identified around 9.1% of the examined teeth. |
| Probed sites with clinical attachment loss of 3 millimeters or greater | 19% | Clinical attachment loss of at least 3 millimeters was recorded at 19% of examined periodontal sites. |
| Teeth with clinical attachment loss of 3 millimeters or greater | 37.1% | At least one site with clinical attachment loss of 3 millimeters or greater was identified on 37.1% of examined teeth. |
Sources: Eke PI, Thornton-Evans GO, Wei L, Borgnakke WS, Dye BA, Genco RJ. “Periodontitis in U.S. Adults: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2009-2014.” Journal of the American Dental Association. 2018;149(7):576-588.e6.
What Grants Pass Patients Should Know About Periodontic Services
Periodontic care focuses on tooth-supporting tissues
These tissues include the gums, periodontal ligament, and bone surrounding the teeth.
Gingivitis and periodontitis are different conditions
Gingivitis involves gum inflammation without periodontal attachment loss, while periodontitis damages the structures supporting the teeth.
Gum disease may not cause pain initially
Bleeding, swelling, gum recession, persistent bad breath, and changes in tooth stability can occur even when significant discomfort is absent.
Scaling and root planing cleans below the gumline
This nonsurgical treatment removes plaque and hardened deposits from periodontal pockets and smooths accessible root surfaces.
Periodontal measurements guide treatment
Dr. Spendlove evaluates pocket depths, bleeding, gum recession, tooth mobility, plaque, tartar, and bone levels when determining the appropriate care.
Maintenance continues after active treatment
Daily plaque removal and follow-up periodontal care help manage the condition and monitor the gums and supporting bone for additional changes.
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Dentist Grants Pass
“When treating gum disease, I evaluate the gums, periodontal pocket depths, bone support, plaque buildup, and areas of bleeding or inflammation. My goal is to remove deposits below the gumline, help the patient improve daily plaque control, and protect the structures that support the teeth.”
Dr. Niklaus Spendlove
Questions Grants Pass Dental Patients Ask
What periodontic services does Spendlove Dental provide?
Spendlove Dental provides periodontal evaluation and scaling and root planing for patients with gum disease. Dr. Spendlove determines treatment needs according to the patient’s clinical findings.
What is scaling and root planing?
Scaling and root planing is a nonsurgical periodontal treatment. Scaling removes plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline, while root planing smooths accessible root surfaces and removes remaining deposits.
How is scaling and root planing different from a routine cleaning?
A routine cleaning primarily addresses plaque and tartar around the visible tooth surfaces and gumline. Scaling and root planing treats deposits beneath the gums within periodontal pockets.
What are common signs of gum disease?
Possible signs include gums that bleed easily, redness, swelling, gum recession, persistent bad breath, tenderness, loose teeth, or changes in the bite. Gum disease can also develop without obvious symptoms.
How does Dr. Spendlove diagnose periodontal disease?
Dr. Spendlove examines the gums, measures periodontal pockets, checks for bleeding and recession, evaluates tooth stability, and reviews dental X-rays when appropriate to assess supporting bone.
Does scaling and root planing cure gum disease permanently?
Scaling and root planing can reduce bacterial deposits and inflammation, but periodontitis requires continued management. Home care, periodontal maintenance, risk-factor control, and professional monitoring remain important after treatment.
