Adjunctive Services to Scaling and Root Planing

In order to fully understand your treatment, it is important to understand the adjunctive services that may or may not be used in order to help you achieve your healthiest smile possible. Continue reading for a comprehensive break down of the adjunctive scaling and root planing services that you can expect to receive here at Willow Glen Dental Center in San Jose.

Arestin

After your hygienist has removed all traces of bacteria or plaque from both above and below the gumline, it is likely that he or she will then place an antibiotic underneath the gum tissue in which there is evidence of bone or gum recession, pocketing, or inflammation. The antibiotic that is most commonly used in this instance is known as Arestin.

Arestin, known clinically as minocycline hydrochloride, is a concentrated antibiotic that, when locally placed underneath the gumline, continues to release antibiotic properties over time. These antibiotics target bacteria growth and stop it completely, promoting a clean and healthy environment and reducing the depth of the pocketing. This, in turn, helps reduce the chance of bacteria becoming trapped in the pockets and contributing to the progression of the gum disease.

Irrigation

Irrigation is a beneficial adjunctive service that makes use of a pressurized water spray with an antibacterial solution in order to remove bacteria, plaque, and other debris that has accumulated between the teeth and gums.

The handheld irrigation device that is used for dental irrigation- sometimes referred to as a pocket irrigator- releases a strong stream of solution that cleans and irrigates the mouth in a safe and gentle manner. The end result is a cleaner, healthier mouth that promotes healthier gum tissues and reduced pocket size.

Laser Treatment

As periodontal disease is essentially the infection of gum disease, laser treatment can be an extremely beneficial adjunctive form of treatment to help ensure the best results possible.

During dental laser treatment, the dentist will use a concentrated laser to remove infected gum tissue from the mouth. This procedure stimulates stem cells that help regenerate new and healthy tissue, bone, and collagen. The laser is able to operate at a frequency that destroys only infected gingival tissues, disinfects the pocket, and leaves the healthy tissues untouched; the procedure is minimally invasive and results in very little to no pain for the patient.

Oraqix

Oraqix is a fantastic adjunctive service that can be used during your scaling and root planing treatment as an additional way to ensure your comfort. For patients who would prefer a completely painless experience but wish to stay away from the use of injections, Oraqix is a fantastic solution. Oraqix is a topical analgesic solution comprised of lidocaine and prilocaine that is used to anesthetize the gingival tissue both inside and underneath the gingival cuff. After the gel has been applied to the area, it typically takes effect in about 30 seconds, and lasts for about 20 minutes.

Moving forward with the information you learned here, you will have a better idea of what you can expect during your gum disease treatment here in our San Jose dental office. For more information about our services, give us a call at 408-266-6144.