When to Consider Root Surface Debridement

Is your gum health struggling despite regular brushing and flossing? You may need specialized periodontal care, like root surface debridement. 

Caesar Sweidan, DDS, and Laura Smith, DDS, alongside our expert team at St. Tammany Periodontics & Implants in Covington and Slidell, Louisiana, offer this advanced treatment to protect your oral health.

Root surface debridement is a more modern approach for addressing gum disease, but it’s often confused with other periodontal treatments like scaling and root planing. Here, we explain what it is, when it’s necessary, and why it’s a vital tool for maintaining healthy gums and teeth.

What is root surface debridement?

Root surface debridement (RSD) is an advanced periodontal procedure that treats moderate to severe periodontal disease (gum disease). This treatment focuses on removing bacteria and toxins trapped deep below the gumline, along with any diseased tissue. 

RSD also helps the gums reattach to your teeth to slow or halt the progression of gum disease.

Unlike older methods, such as root planing, which aim for a perfectly smooth surface, RSD avoids too much scraping. Instead, it disrupts harmful bacteria and toxins while preserving as much healthy tooth and gum structure as possible.

When is root surface debridement necessary?

We typically recommend RSD when periodontal disease has progressed beyond gingivitis and begun to affect the tissues and bone that support your teeth. Key signs that you might need this treatment include:

• Gums that bleed easily
• Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
• Swollen, red or inflamed gums
• Gum recession or visible shrinking of the gums
• Loose teeth or changes in how your teeth fit together when you bite down

If these symptoms sound familiar, call us. If you ignore it, periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss or even systemic health problems like heart disease or diabetes complications.

At St. Tammany Periodontics & Implants, we evaluate your oral health using cutting-edge technology, including digital impressions and 3D scans, to determine whether RSD is right for you.

How does root surface debridement differ from other treatments?

Understanding the distinctions between RSD and other periodontal procedures can help you make informed decisions about your treatment options. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Scaling

Scaling refers to cleaning the tooth’s surface above the gumline and within healthy gum pockets.

Root planing

Root planing involves smoothing the surfaces of tooth roots below the gumline to promote healing by creating a smooth surface.

Scaling and root planing 

We may recommend a combination of cleaning above and below the gumline for mild to moderate gum disease.

Root surface debridement

With this modern approach, we focus on removing bacteria and toxins while conserving healthy tissue and avoiding over-smoothing.

RSD is a gentler yet highly effective alternative. It not only halts the spread of disease but also supports the natural healing and regeneration of gum tissue.

Is there any discomfort with root surface debridement?

Rest assured, most patients find the RSD procedure manageable, especially since it’s done under local anesthesia. If you’re particularly sensitive, we can discuss additional sedation options to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure.

Afterward, it’s normal to experience some tenderness, gum sensitivity, or minor swelling for a few days. We may recommend:

• Taking over-the-counter pain relievers
• Using a soft-bristled toothbrush
• Rinsing with a warm saltwater solution to reduce inflammation

By closely following our post-procedure care instructions, you can expect to recover quickly and enjoy the benefits of healthier gums.

If you suspect you may need periodontal treatment or would like to learn more about RSD, please don’t hesitate to call St. Tammany Periodontics & Implants or request an appointment online.