Brushing and flossing are daily habits essential for maintaining the health of your mouth and preventing serious oral health conditions like gum disease. In addition to these habits, routine dental cleanings and exams are also critical. When you are lax in these habits, even only occasionally, your risk for developing gum disease increases significantly. If gum disease does develop, treatment is needed right away. At Mahar Dental, we can help to treat gum disease with scaling and root planing.What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease occurs as the result of a bacterial infection. When bacteria build up in your mouth, they begin to irritate the sensitive gum tissue. This triggers a response from your immune system, which causes your gums to swell. Without treatment, swollen tissue begins to pull away from the teeth, leading to the formation of periodontal pockets. These pockets collect more bacteria, which continue to attack your gums while also attacking your periodontal ligaments and your jawbone. Over time, these supporting structures weaken. Eventually, you are left with gum recession, loose teeth, and even tooth loss.
Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing are commonly used to treat gum disease. These treatments are often referred to as a deep cleaning for your teeth. With scaling and root planing, we clean all surfaces of your teeth, both above and below the gumline.
Scaling is the process of cleaning the visible surfaces of your teeth. Using a tool called a scaler, we carefully work to remove all plaque, tartar, bacteria, and other debris from the surfaces of your teeth. We pay close attention to the areas around and just below the gum line, working to ensure that all buildup is eliminated.
Root planing is the process of cleaning the roots of your teeth. Using small, specialized tools, we gently remove plaque, bacteria, and other toxins from the surfaces of your tooth roots, effectively smoothing them. This prevents new bacteria from accumulating. Once we have completed both scaling and root planing, we administer an antibacterial rinse that helps to eliminate any bacteria that might still be present. Finally, you are scheduled for a follow-up, which is generally done 6 to 8 weeks later. This follows up ensures that your treatment has worked and no further treatment is required.
The Benefits of Scaling and Root Planing
There are many benefits associated with scaling and root planing, including:
| • | Minimally invasive. While minimally invasive, and non-surgical, we still provide a local anesthetic. Your gums may be sensitive, so the anesthetic helps to ensure your comfort while we clean your teeth.
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| • | Your teeth are completely cleaned. We remove buildup from both above and below the gumline, ensuring that your teeth are completely clean. This helps to ensure that your gums can effectively reattach to your teeth and heal properly. |
| • | Slowing and stopping the progression of gum disease. |
| • | Improving the quality of your smile. By treating your gum disease, the irritation and inflammation are eased, and your gums heal. This helps to greatly improve your smile, as well as your confidence. |
Scaling and root planing can help to restore the health of your mouth in the event of gum disease. Following your scaling and root planing, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene practices to help prevent gum disease from developing again. For more information, and to schedule your consultation, contact Mahar Dental today at (315) 766-2770.
