Scaling & Root Planing in Kalispell, MT

Effective Scaling & Root Planing Treatment Near You

Are you searching for “scaling and root planing near me” or “deep cleaning dentist near you” in the Kalispell area? Gum disease doesn’t wait, and neither should you. At Alpine Family Dental, Dr. Evan Olson provides gentle, effective gum disease treatments that can save your teeth and restore your confidence. Whether you’re dealing with tooth loss, persistent bad breath, or concerns about gum recession, our compassionate team is here to help you achieve the healthy smile you deserve. Don’t let gum disease progress any further – call Alpine Family Dental at (406) 393-8877 today to schedule your consultation and discover how scaling and root planing can transform your oral health.

What is Scaling & Root Planing?

Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical periodontal treatment designed to remove bacterial plaque and tartar buildup from below the gum line. This procedure goes far beyond regular dental cleanings, targeting the root surfaces of teeth where bacteria accumulate and cause inflammation of the gums.

The Two-Part Process:

Scaling: Dr. Olson uses specialized instruments to carefully remove plaque and tartar deposits from tooth surfaces and root areas below the gum line, eliminating bacterial toxins that contribute to gum inflammation and infection.
Root Planing: This involves smoothing the rough surfaces of tooth roots to remove bacterial toxins and create a clean surface that promotes healing, making it difficult for bacteria to reattach.

The combination of scaling and root planing for gum disease creates an environment where healthy gum tissue can reattach to the tooth surface, reducing pocket depths and improving periodontal health. Dr. Olson uses both hand instruments for precise manual removal and ultrasonic scalers that use high-frequency vibrations to break up stubborn deposits and flush away debris with water irrigation.

When is Deep Cleaning Teeth Needed?

Deep cleaning becomes necessary when regular dental cleanings and proper oral hygiene are no longer sufficient to maintain healthy gums, or gum disease is present. Several signs and symptoms indicate that a patient may benefit from scaling and root planing to treat gum disease at Alpine Family Dental in Kalispell, MT.

Common Signs That Indicate Deep Cleaning is Needed:

Bleeding gums during brushing or flossing: Persistent bleeding indicates inflammation and bacterial infection that requires professional treatment beyond regular cleanings.
Gum recession and pocket formation: When gums pull away from teeth, they create pockets where bacteria accumulate and multiply, leading to deeper infections over time.
Persistent bad breath or bad taste: Chronic problems typically indicate deeper infection from bacteria in periodontal pockets that regular brushing cannot eliminate.
Loose or shifting teeth: This may indicate advanced periodontal disease affecting the supporting bone structure, requiring immediate intervention.
X-ray findings showing bone loss: Bone loss occurs when bacterial infections spread from the gums to supporting structures, prompting Dr. Olson to recommend deep cleaning.

Patients with certain risk factors may require more frequent deep cleanings even without obvious symptoms. These include smoking, diabetes, pregnancy, genetic predisposition to gum disease, and certain medications that affect gum health. Dr. Olson develops individualized treatment plans based on each patient’s unique risk profile and oral health status.

The Scaling & Root Planing Procedure at Alpine Family Dental

The procedure at our Kalispell dental office follows a systematic approach designed to maximize patient comfort while achieving optimal results. Dr. Olson begins each treatment with a thorough examination and discussion of the procedure.

Treatment Steps:

Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is administered to numb the treatment area, allowing Dr. Olson to work thoroughly without causing discomfort.
Scaling: Specialized instruments remove plaque and tartar from tooth surfaces and root areas below the gum line, using both ultrasonic scalers and hand instruments for precision.
Root Planing: Root surfaces are smoothed to remove bacterial toxins and create an environment conducive to healing, eliminating rough areas where bacteria can accumulate.
Irrigation: Antimicrobial solutions may be used to eliminate remaining bacteria and promote healing.

The entire procedure typically takes one to two hours, depending on the extent of the disease. Dr. Olson may recommend treating the mouth in quadrants over multiple appointments to maximize comfort and allow proper healing between sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Scaling and root planing can effectively halt the progression of gum disease and allow for significant healing of the gum tissues. While the treatment cannot completely reverse advanced bone loss, it can help stabilize the condition and prevent further damage. Our Kalispell dentist has observed remarkable improvements in gum health following scaling and root planing, including reduced pocket depths, decreased inflammation, and improved attachment of gums to teeth. The success of treatment depends largely on patient compliance with post-treatment care and ongoing maintenance.

For patients with advanced or chronic gum disease, surgical options such as flap surgery or bone grafting may be necessary. However, scaling and root planing serves as the gold standard first-line treatment for moderate gum disease and is often successful in avoiding more invasive procedures. Dr. Olson may recommend laser therapy or antimicrobial treatments as adjuncts to scaling and root planing for enhanced results. In the early stages of periodontal disease, more frequent regular cleanings and improved home care may be sufficient.

Maintaining the results of scaling and root planing requires a commitment to excellent oral hygiene and regular professional care. Our Kalispell dentist recommends brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, daily flossing, and using antimicrobial mouthwash to control bacterial growth. Patients should avoid smoking and limit sugary foods that feed harmful bacteria. Regular follow-up appointments allow our dentist to monitor healing progress and provide additional treatment if needed.

Protect Your Smile Before It’s Too Late by Visiting Our Kalispell Office!

Your smile is precious, and every day you delay treatment is another day gum disease can silently destroy the foundation of your teeth. If you’re experiencing bleeding gums, bad breath, or loose teeth, time is not on your side. Dr. Evan Olson and the caring team at Alpine Family Dental are ready to help you reclaim your oral health with gentle, effective scaling and root planing treatment.

Whether you’re in Whitefish, Columbia Falls, or Bigfork, don’t let distance keep you from the healthy smile you deserve. Your future self will thank you for making the call today. Contact Alpine Family Dental at (406) 393-8877 to schedule your consultation and start your journey back to optimal gum health.

Dr. Evan Olson, D. ABDSM, followed in his father’s footsteps and became a dentist. He completed his degree in Cell Biology and Neuroscience at Montana State University in Bozeman and then attended The University of Iowa College of Dentistry. Dr. Olson then practiced in a Community Health setting for five years treating all types of dental emergencies. He then ran a private practice in Central Oregon for seven years before moving back to Montana to take over Alpine Family Dental.

Dr. Olson was recently named a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine, which signifies extensive training and knowledge in treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea and snoring. He is a Fellow of The Implant Pathway Surgical Program, a Member of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry and Academy of General Dentistry, and a Mentor for the CEREC Doctors training program. He has completed significant continuing education in many areas of dentistry including with the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine Mastery Program, training on dental implants at Implant Pathway, Misch Institute, and Pikos Institute, an internship on root canals at the University of Iowa, cosmetic dentistry courses at CDOCS and Spear Education, and further studies on infant frenectomy and CAD/CAM techniques.

Dr. Autumn Chapman received her degree in physiology from the University of Wyoming and her Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry. She worked alongside her grandfather, Dr. Gerald Olson, in Havre, MT, before moving to Flathead Valley. Dr Chapman has been able to focus on education and training in facial esthetics and cosmetic dentistry. She has Training in orthodontics using suresmile clear aligners with CDOCs in Scottsdale and Training in Botox and filler with the american academy of facial esthetics.

Dr. Greg Eller obtained his degree in Aeronautical Maintenance and spent six years as a Skydiving Instructor. He then attended the University of Oregon where he graduated Summa Cum Laude in Pre-Medicine and the Oregon Health Sciences University Dental School. He is a member of the American Dental Association and Montana Dental Association and has IV moderate sedation training. After 14 years at Alpine Family Dental, Dr. Eller has now transitioned out of full-time practice.