Periodontal disease is increasingly common today. Two in three seniors aged 65 and over suffer from the condition, along with many younger people.
If you have active periodontal disease, scaling and root planing are usually necessary to control it. Scaling and root planing are also called deep cleaning. These procedures are vital periodontal services that can lower gum inflammation and improve your smile's appearance.
About Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease or gum disease, happens when the gums become infected and inflamed. As the disease progresses, the damaged gums recede from the teeth, creating deep pockets where plaque and tartar can cause further problems. Scaling and root planing address these pockets, encouraging healthy gums to grow back.
Treating periodontal disease is a must. Advanced periodontal disease leads to persistent bad breath, gum recession, and eventual tooth loss, among other symptoms. Researchers have also linked periodontal disease to a range of severe health problems, including diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, and preterm birth.
Scaling
Scaling promotes better gum health. This procedure removes the plaque and tartar from the tooth surface above the gumline. The hygienist uses different instruments, including a handheld scaler and an ultrasonic cleaner, to remove all traces of tartar and control the disease.
Root Planing
Root planing involves removing tartar below the gum line and smoothing the root surfaces to promote healthy gum attachment. Sometimes the dentist or hygienist injects antibiotics into deep pockets. After planing, the periodontal pockets diminish as the newly healthy gums attach to the root.
Why is Periodontal Treatment Necessary?
Periodontal disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in older adults but can also impact younger patients. Managing periodontal disease with procedures like scaling and root planing provides a relatively simple, non-invasive solution. As the disease progresses, surgical treatments like bone grafting and pocket reduction surgery may become necessary to save your teeth.
Signs of Periodontal Disease
Please speak to your dentist as soon as possible if you have one or more of the following symptoms of gum disease. Early treatment can slow the disease's progression and prevent some of its serious consequences.
- Bleeding gums when you brush or floss
- Bad breath that persists
- Loose teeth
- Highly sensitive teeth
- Receding gums
- Altered dental bite
Gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease, involves gums that bleed easily. This stage is reversible if you follow excellent oral care routines at home and make all recommended visits to your dentist.
Unfortunately, the further stages of the disease are irreversible, but you can control them with scaling, root planing, and other periodontal procedures.
Call San Francisco Dental Wellness
Scaling and root planing are useful periodontal procedures that can help to control gum disease and save your teeth. The earlier you receive these periodontal treatments, the greater your chance of avoiding tooth loss. Please call our San Francisco, CA, office at 415-781-1944 to make an appointment for periodontal treatment.