When it comes to taking care of your teeth, it’s important to also take care of your gum tissue. Gum disease is a serious issue that can lead to tooth loss, and it’s important to catch it early. Scaling and root planing, also known as deep cleaning, is a common treatment for gum disease or periodontal disease, and it’s important to know what it is and how it works.
Gum disease is caused by plaque and tartar buildup on your teeth. This buildup can cause your gum tissue to become inflamed and infected. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss. Scaling and root planing is a common treatment for gum disease. Scaling involves removing the plaque and tartar from your teeth, and root planing involves smoothing out the roots of your teeth.
Scaling and root planing, also known as deep cleaning, are usually done over the course of two or three visits to the dentist. The first step is to numb your gums so that you don’t feel any pain during the procedure. Then, the dentist will use a special tool to remove the plaque and tartar from your teeth. Once your teeth are clean, the dentist will smooth out the roots of your teeth.
After the procedure, it’s important to take care of your teeth and gums. Brushing and flossing regularly will help to prevent plaque and tartar buildup. You may also need to use a special mouthwash. Be sure to follow your dentist’s instructions so that you can keep your mouth healthy and free of gum disease.
Now that you have a general understanding of gum disease, chronic periodontitis, and scaling and root planing, let’s take a deep dive into the subject of scaling and root planing.
Control and Stop Inflammation Before It Harms Your Teeth & Gums.
Periodontal disease, also known as chronic periodontitis, is a gum infection that damages the gum tissue and bone that support your teeth. Gum disease is caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth and gum line. If plaque is not removed, it turns into calculus (tartar). When plaque and calculus are not removed, they begin to destroy the bone and connective tissue that support your teeth.
Chronic periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. Chronic periodontitis can occur at any age, but it is more common among adults. Chronic periodontal disease is also more common in smokers.
The early stage of chronic periodontitis is called gingivitis. Gingivitis is a mild form of periodontal disease that only affects the gums. Gingivitis is reversible with professional treatment and good oral hygiene. The later stage of periodontal disease is called chronic periodontitis. Periodontitis is a more serious form of periodontal disease that can damage the bone and connective tissue that support your teeth. Chronic periodontitis is not reversible, but it can be controlled with professional treatment and good oral hygiene.
If you have chronic periodontal disease, it is important to see a dentist or periodontist for treatment. Treatment for chronic periodontal disease can include professional dental cleanings, scaling and root planing, antibiotics, and surgery.
Do Your Gums Bleed When You Floss?
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a condition in which the gums and bone around the teeth become infected. Chronic periodontal disease occurs because of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth. If plaque is not removed, it can harden and turn into tartar. Tartar can spread beneath the gum line and damage the bone.
Periodontitis is usually caused by a combination of factors, including genetics, poor oral hygiene, and certain medical conditions. People with diabetes, for example, are more likely to develop gum disease because diabetes lowers the body’s resistance to infection. Smoking also increases the risk of gum disease because it decreases the blood supply to the gums, which makes it harder for the gums to heal.
The best way to prevent gum disease is to practice good oral hygiene. This means brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist regularly.
Scaling and root planing, also known as deep cleaning, is an important part of treating gum disease. Plaque and tartar not only make your teeth look bad, but they also contain bacteria that can damage your gum tissue and the bone around your teeth. If the tartar is not removed, it can continue to damage your teeth and gum line.
Scaling and root planing is usually done in two or more visits. During the first dental visit, your dentist or hygienist will clean your teeth above and below the gum line with dental scaling. This may take more than one hour. You may need to have dental scaling done again if your gum disease is severe.
During the second dental visit, your dentist or hygienist will clean the roots of your teeth. This part of the procedure is called root planing. Root planing smooths the roots of your teeth so that it is harder for plaque and tartar to build up on them again.
You may experience some discomfort during scaling and root planing, but your dentist or hygienist will use a local anesthetic to numb your teeth and gums. You may also be given a sedative to help you relax during the scaling and root planing procedure.
After scaling and root planing, your gums may be sore for a few days. You can take over-the-counter pain relievers to help relieve the discomfort. You should also brush your teeth gently and floss carefully after scaling and root planing. Scaling and root planing is a very effective treatment for gum disease. In most cases, it can stop the progression of the disease and help your gums heal.
Dental scaling and root planing is important because it helps prevent and treat chronic periodontal disease. Gum disease is an infection of the gums that can lead to tooth loss. It’s important to have dental scaling and root planing done when you notice the first signs and symptoms of gum disease, such as deep periodontal pockets between your gum tissue and teeth. Your dental hygienist can determine if you need scaling and root planing during your routine dental scaling and teeth cleaning appointments.
URBN Dental is a state-of-the-art dental clinic specializing in scaling and root planing procedures. We have state-of-the-art offices in Uptown Houston, Midtown Houston, and Montrose, making nonsurgical treatment for gum disease and scaling and root planing accessible to people around Houston. Please schedule an appointment at your nearest dental clinic to explore your nonsurgical treatment options to treat gum disease.
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