Root scaling and plaining is one of the most effective ways to treat gum disease before it ever becomes severe. This process cleans between your teeth and gums down the root. When we notice the development of mild pocket depth in the gums, (3-5mm) early treatment will usually include scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) which is a thorough cleaning to remove plaque and calculus deposits above and below the gumline. This allows the gum tissue to heal and reattach to the tooth. In some cases, the occlusion (bite) may require adjustment.
Our top priority beyond your oral health is your comfort, so in some cases to make you comfortable we may apply a local anesthetic to numb the area that will be treated.
Why Do I Need This Treatment
Like any other treatment, we perform at Southern Arizona Periodontics, every case is unique and we build a treatment plan specifically for you. Typically, we will recommend root scaling and planing when the gums have either started to pull away from the teeth or if the roots of the teeth have tartar on them.
Dr. Sharp has over 30 years of experience working with patients locally here in Tucson, many of whom have been with us since the beginning. Our professional team will help ensure that we utilize every preventative option available to us to maintain the consistent health of your teeth and gums.
What Gum Disease Is
Gum disease, also known as the early stages of periodontal disease, is one of the most dangerous and most common oral afflictions that we see. The biggest problem with gum disease is that people don’t understand what it is, and often have issues realizing that they have it. At Southern Arizona Periodontics, our goal is to educate our patients on common oral afflictions.
Everyone knows that when you don’t take good care of your teeth, the bacteria in your mouth will start to eat away at them and eventually you will get a cavity. If a cavity isn’t taken care of soon you might end up losing the tooth. It’s the same concept with gum disease as it is with tooth decay. As bacteria (known as plaque and tartar) build up on your teeth, it will build up below the gumline which will adversely affect your gums. As it builds up, it infects the gums, and if it isn’t treated quickly with professional root scaling and planing, there is a good chance that you will lose your teeth.
It can be hard to tell if you have gum disease because it typically doesn’t cause discomfort but the typical signs to watch out for are:
- Red gums
- Swollen gums
- Gums that bleed easily
- Gums that are no longer flush with the surface of the teeth
After Procedure Maintenance
Root scaling and planing is a preventive measure that is used with good dental care to maintain the health of your teeth without resorting to any surgical treatments. With regular brushing and flossing along with consistent professional cleanings will help minimize a re-occurrence of infection and the progression of gum disease should stop.
