If you have gum disease, Dr. Fellner might need to perform a deep cleaning below your gum line.
This treatment is also known as scaling and root planing. If we let too much plaque build up around our gums, it can lead to inflammation. This then leads to the gums pulling away from the teeth, forming pockets. The plaque gets trapped in the pockets that regular brushing cannot reach.
So what is scaling and root planing?
When Dr. Fellner is scaling, he is working on removing the plaque and tartar from below the gum line. Root planing involves smoothing the tooth root to help the gums reattach to your tooth.
Afterward, you might experience pain and sensitivity for a couple of days. Also, your gums might swell or bleed. Dr. Fellner will provide you with special home treatments to decrease any pain and the chance of infection. It goes without saying that proper and well maintained dental hygiene is required to keep gum disease from becoming a bigger issue.