It may sound complicated or maybe a bit scary, but the dental procedure of “scaling and root planing” simply means a deep cleaning. This is one of the most trusted and effective treatments to reverse mild to moderate gum disease. Since periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss and other systemic health issues within the body if it goes untreated, scaling and root planing can be an essential procedure.
Symptoms and Causes of Gum Disease
How do you know if your gums need specialized care? While your dentist will certainly inform you of your need for periodontal therapy during a routine dental checkup, you can also detect signs of early gum disease at home. The following are some of the most common symptoms of gum disease:
- Persistent bad breath
- Red or swollen gums
- Bleeding gums
- Painful chewing
- Loose teeth
- Sensitive teeth
- Receding gums
The symptoms of gum disease should never be ignored. Not only is your dental health at risk, but your overall health can also be compromised as gum disease progresses. Advanced gum disease can lead to tooth loss and is also linked to stroke, heart disease, diabetes and premature births. Gum disease essentially weakens your entire immune system.
How a Deep Cleaning from Your Dentist Can Help
To understand the effectiveness of scaling and root planing, it is important to first understand how gum disease develops. Gum disease is an infection of the gums and bone that support your teeth. It starts when plaque hardens into tartar below the gum line. This creates irritation and an open invitation for infection to set in within these soft tissues. Food particles lodged between teeth and bacteria emitted by plaque can make the infection spread quickly. Gum disease may be difficult to detect at its earliest stages (gingivitis), but it can cause the gums to loosen and recede from teeth if it advances.
Periodontal therapy can be the intervention your gums need to regain health. Scaling and root planing is often the first line of defense. During this deep cleaning procedure, an ultrasonic cleaning device is used to effectively and comfortably remove plaque and tartar under the gum line, on the tooth and around the root. Finally, the rough surface of the tooth and the root are smoothed out (or planed). This provides a healthy, clean surface that helps the gum tissues reattach to the tooth.
To learn more about scaling and root planing and what it can mean for your smile health, please call our Johns Creek dental clinic today. Your gums are the foundation of your smile – treat them well!
Posted on behalf of Dr. Randy Muccioli, Muccioli Dental
Muccioli Dental - Johns Creek Dentist
6300 Hospital Pkwy, Suite 275
Johns Creek, Georgia 30097
Phone: (678) 389-9955