Gum disease is one of the most common and devastating oral health problems in the U.S. In fact, approximately 75% of Americans over the age of 35 experience some level of gum disease. Fighting gum disease is a daily battle because the bacteria found in plaque is constantly growing on your teeth. If plaque is not removed, it hardens and causes numerous dental problems including gum disease. Dr. Mehta & Associates works hard to help each of our patients to avoid the long-term effects of gum disease. If you are seeking preventative measures such as a professional dental cleaning or are interested in restoring the healthiness of your gums, you can do so by calling (951) 383-6858 (Temecula office) or (951) 667-1595 (Riverside office). Every week our team is actively assisting people to maintain healthy gums with restorative dental procedures such as scaling and root planning.
What is Root Planing and Scaling?
Root planing and scaling are periodontal cleaning methods typically utilized for treating gum diseases. Healthy gums remain firm around teeth providing added support. However, gums that are diseased loosen around teeth and begin to have deep pockets. In advanced gum disease cases, the gums separate from teeth because of plaque and tartar concentrations.
When a dentist or hygienist performs dental scaling, they are removing all traces of bacterial debris, plaque, and tartar from a patient’s teeth. Depending of the severity of the gum disease, scaling may involve 1 or 2 dental visits. Usually, our offices can perform a thorough scaling within an hour.
Root planing smooths the surface of the roots of a patient’s teeth. Since bacteria and plaque attaches easily to rough surfaces, this procedure impedes gum disease.
To perform the process, they make use of a metal dental scraping tool or even an ultrasonic tool. They may also use a combination of both. These tools then aid in removal of plaque from below the gum line. When the infection is severe, the treatment can be performed in segments to give the recovery time to patients. Sometimes, antibiotic fibers must be placed between the gums so that no secondary infection is prevented.
There are some steps which you can use for the sake of ensuring that the root planing and scaling process is done efficiently.
- Brush twice a day. Make sure to brush right along the gum line.
- Use the right mouthwash for curtailing the infection.
- Make sure to visit the dentist biyearly for regular checkups.
If you are planning to have this treatment done, contact us today!
