When gum disease intensifies beyond gingivitis, it’s time to talk about regular deep dental cleaning. When bleeding gums and persistent bad breath are left untreated, you risk major future dental problems.
When periodontal disease is present, dentists often give patients scaling and root planing treatments. This treatment is proven to have a positive effect on gum health, so what is the process, and how many treatments are required to help minimize damage and restore tooth and gum health?
To find these answers and more, read on.
Scaling and Root Planing Explained
Untreated gum disease leads to thicker buildup of tartar and plaque, ultimately leading to a condition known as periodontitis.
When your dental health reaches this point, proper and regular brushing and flossing are not enough. If you want to restore your gum health and prevent future teeth and gum problems, it’s vital to receive a deep cleaning from a dentist. Scaling and root planing is the treatment plan for patients who have reached the point of periodontitis.
This process begins with scaling – which is when the dentist scrapes tartar and plaque away from the gum line and removes it from deep within the gum. Afterward, the root planing process helps to smooth the root of the tooth so that the tissues reattach.
The scaling and root planing process helps prevent the area from becoming infected again. The softer the tooth root, the harder it is for tartar, plaque, and bacteria to stick to your teeth.
When To Get Scaling and Root Planing – And How Often
There are specific symptoms that indicate the need for scaling and root planing. The first sign is bleeding gums while flossing or brushing. This means plaque is buildup below the gumline. Redness, irritation, inflammation, and swelling of the gums is another common symptom of periodontitis. Worsening conditions are gum recession which eventually leads to tooth and bone loss.
Once you recognize these symptoms and take action to fight periodontal disease, it’s recommended to get scaling and root planing at least twice a year. More frequent visits might be recommended for patients with worsening gum diseases. It’s common for many people to have scaling and root planing every three months.
To get the most out of scaling and root planning, it’s important to have good at-home habits and care, such as stop smoking, flossing daily, and brushing twice a day. Committing to healthy dental habits can help reduce the number of times needs to have scaling and root planing treatment.
Call Gold Cost Smile for Scaling and Root Planing
When brushing and flossing no longer do the trick, it’s time to schedule a deep cleaning that cleans your gums and teeth thoroughly. While this treatment will help your current condition, the number of treatments you receive will determine whether the symptoms subside completely.
At Gold Coast Smile, we offer periodontal disease treatments like scaling and root planing to assist with dental health issues. For more information on these treatments, reach out to our team at 516-676-0250 to find answers to your questions.