Scaling & Root Planing – Sugar Land, TX
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The initial stage of treatment for periodontal disease is usually a thorough cleaning that may include scaling or root planing. The objective of these non-surgical procedures is to remove etiologic agents such as dental plaque and tartar, or calculus, which cause gingival inflammation and disease. Scaling and root planing can be used as a stand-alone treatment, or a preventative measure. They are commonly preformed on cases of gingivitis and moderate to severe periodontal disease.
What do the procedures entail?
Dr. Condrey will only perform scaling and root planing after a thorough examination of the mouth, which may include taking x-rays and visually examining the mouth. Depending on the condition of the gums, the amount of tartar present, the depth of the pockets, and the progression of periodontitis, Dr. Condrey may recommend scaling and root planing. In some cases, a local anesthesia may be used during the procedure.
- Scaling:
When scaling is performed, calculus and plaque that attaches to the tooth surfaces is removed. The process especially targets the area below the gum line, along the root. Scaling is performed with a special dental tool called an ultrasonic scaling tool. The scaling tool usually includes an irrigation process that can be used to deliver an antimicrobial agent below the gums to help reduce oral bacteria. - Root Planing:
Root planing is performed in order to remove cementum and surface dentin that is embedded with unwanted microorganisms, toxins and tartar. The root of the tooth is literally smoothed, which promotes healing, and also helps prevent bacteria from easily colonizing in the future.
Antibiotics or irrigation with anti-microbials (chemical agents or mouth rinses) may be recommended to help control the growth of bacteria that create toxins and cause periodontitis. In some cases, Dr. Condrey may place antibiotic fibers in the periodontal pockets after scaling and planing. This may be done to control infection and to encourage normal healing.
When deep pockets between teeth and gums are present, it is difficult for Dr. Condrey to thoroughly remove plaque and tartar. Patients can seldom, if ever, keep these pockets clean and free of plaque. Consequently, surgery may be needed to restore periodontal health.
Benefits of Treatment
If treatment is successful, scaling and planing may have many periodontal benefits. One is that it can help prevent disease. Research has proven that bacteria from periodontal infections can travel through the blood stream and affect other areas of the body, sometimes causing heart and respiratory diseases. Scaling and root planing remove bacteria that cause these conditions.
Another benefit of treatment is protecting teeth against tooth loss. When gum pockets exceed 3mm in depth, the risk for periodontal disease increases. As pockets deepen, more bacteria are able to colonize, eventually causing a chronic inflammatory response by the body to destroy gingival and bone tissue. This leads to tooth loss.
Finally, scaling and root planing may make the mouth more aesthetically pleasing, and should reduce bad breath caused from food particles and bacteria in the oral cavity. Superficial stains on the teeth will be removed during scaling and planing, adding an extra bonus to the procedures.
J. Gregory Condrey, DDS, MS, PA
Patient Review
Dr. Condrey is a highly skilled periodontist. My gum graft surgery was painless and went very well. The end result is excellent.
- Susan V
Patient Review
I felt that he was very competent and professional. On more than one occasion he got on the phone to personally answer my questions. This is my second gum grafting surgery and my first with Condrey. Recovery was much easier this time. He escorted me out to my car after the procedure which is something a doctor doesn’t normally do. The staff is very helpful and kind and even rescheduled my appointment promptly when I got lost finding their office.
- Kerid
Patient Review
Dr Condrey personally called to check on me the day after my tooth extraction. I told him it was a “non event” meaning no pain and no problems. I highly recommend Dr Greg Condrey and his very professional and friendly staff.
- Stephen H
Patient Review
I was recommened to Dr. Condrey by my sister who raved about how she felt no pain after her procedure with Dr. Condrey. I thought she was exagerrating until I had my own experience. Dr. Condrey performed both dental implant and connective tissue graft surgeries on my mouth, and I was extremely pleased with the results of these procedures. All details pertaining to the procedures and recovery process were thoroughly explained. The front office staff, the doctor and his assistants all made sure I was comfortable and well taken care of before, during and after my procedures. Overall, I find Dr. Condrey to be a caring physician with impeccable bedside manners, and I definitely recommend his services.
- Lorna B
Patient Review
The staff is friendly and professional. The office is comfortable and attractive, and Dr Condrey himself is very knowledgeable, friendly, and easy to work with. Got the results that I was looking for!
- Uche
Patient Review
Very satisfied
- NICOLE W
Patient Review
Although I was hoping for a simpler solution to my problem, all went well at this office. Dr. Condrey was very good at explaining the options and the pros and cons. He extracted and prepared for an implant. I don't think this could have been easy but Dr. Condrey and the staff were very attentive to my needs.Pain was minimalized. The entire staff has some degree of medical training. This came in handy when I called with a question. I was able to get an answer and relax..
- Joanne F
Patient Review
Wonderful periodontist office & most cordial staff ever. I am highly satisfied with Dr. Condrey's proficient and professional assistance in restoring my dental health.
- Robin P
Patient Review
I’ve been to several Periodontists in the past and Dr Condrey is hands down the best. He is caring, works very hard to save your teeth (vs some who just want to extract and do implants) and is fast and efficient. There’s no pain, he is very gentle, and no question is a stupid question. I highly recommend Dr Condrey whether you need an implant or are fighting gum disease. He’s so good, I sent my husband to him for an implant. He was also very impressed with the efficiency and the lack of pain. Dr Condrey’s staff are really wonderful too!
- Deborah S
Patient Review
My first dental implant with Dr. Condrey was in 2006. In the pursuing 17 years, there was never any issues with this implant. Most recently, I was in need of three additional implants, and I was happy that Dr. Condrey was available to do the procedures. It was a long process, as we did extractions and bone grafts. In the several visits that I had at his office, I never experienced any problems. Dr. Condrey is caring, and both he and his staff are attentive to your needs. I also appreciate the fact that I was promptly seen at my scheduled appointment time for each and every visit. I highly recommend Dr. Condrey and his staff.
- Linda W
Patient Review
Great experience!
- Elizabeth I
Patient Review
Dr. Condrey and staff have been amazing. He has such a gentle demeanor that put my anxiety at ease. The procedure was quick and painless! I also appreciated his personal check-in post-procedure. The staff members are always super professional and friendly. Top tier care!
- Erin P
Patient Review
Doctor and staff very professional. Also courteous and cheerful. Made me very comfortable.
- Warren V
Patient Review
So Efficient and professional
- Annetta M
Patient Review
As unpleasant as "surgery" sounds, Dr. Condrey made it as painless as possible. This place and the staff was amazing.
- Brandi C
Patient Review
Staff very professional, friendly and helpful. Pre procedure information was very helpful and used many times as a reference later . The office is comfortable and quiet .I would recommend Dr . Condrey to family and friends
- Leah B
Patient Review
Dr. Condrey comes highly recommended and he did not disappoint. He is incredibly professional and very pleasant, as is his staff. He took the time to explain, in detail, my periodontal issue, what likely caused it and what would be required to correct the problem. I am usually an anxious dental patient but Dr. Condrey put my mind at ease and I felt very comfortable moving forward with the procedure. My procedure was a success, relatively pain free, and I am healing well. I will need future periodontal work and I have every intention of going back to Dr. Condrey's office.
- Terri B
Patient Review
I liked Dr. Condrey‘s demeanor. He was attentive and listened well and offered clear explanation of the procedure. The staff treated me with respect and made sure I knew what to do.
- Douglas E
Patient Review
I came to Dr. Condrey for a "second opinion". Dr. Condrey and his office staff were very professional and willing to help, even if I was there only for a second opinion. I liked that he was not pressuring me to give him my treatment and he gave me his honest opinion, without "strings attached". I highly recommend his services as professional, honest, and wiling to help.
- Alicia V
Patient Review
Dr, Condrey did an excellent job on my dental implant! I would use him again!
- Randal D