Nonsurgical Periodontal Care in Tampa

The gums are one of the most important tissues in your body. They support both the teeth and the jawbone beneath them. Their health influences your systemic health; for example, people with gum disease are more likely to develop diabetes and vice versa.

Naturally, it is important to prevent unhealthy gums from deteriorating. Dr. Brian van Aelst provides gum treatments in Tampa, New Tampa, Temple Terrace, and Wesley Chapel. If you live in or near any of these areas, our periodontist helps you stay healthy before surgical care is required.

Scaling and Root Planing

Gum disease has three general phases: gingivitis, periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis. The last stage is when gum recession occurs. The severity of this condition requires surgical treatment.

However, when gum disease is just starting to transition from gingivitis to periodontitis, it can be halted with scaling and planing.

Scaling and root planing, also known as periodontal deep cleaning, is the targeted removal of plaque and tartar. These forms of calculus are the irritants that cause gum disease. Gently using specialized tools above and below the gum line, Dr. van Aelst scales all buildup off the tooth. The root surface is then planed smooth. This step encourages the soft tissue to reattach to the tooth, which closes any pocket formed by gum disease.

Contact Us for Nonsurgical Periodontal Care

Your gums help you stay healthy. When they begin to show signs of irritation, call Dr. Brian van Aelst, our periodontist can improve and maintain the health of your gums before surgery becomes necessary.