- Overview of Gum Disease
- Overview of Periodontal Scaling and Root Planing
- Types of Procedures Available
- Expected Results
- Preparation for the Procedure
- Aftercare and Recovery
- Summary
- Visit Your Dentist At Supremia Dental Clinic Now!
Gum disease is a significant health concern that affects millions of individuals worldwide. Left untreated can lead to pain, swelling, redness, and tooth loss. Fortunately, periodontal scaling and root planing are standard and effective treatment options for gum disease patients.
This procedure is designed to remove the plaque and tartar buildup that causes gum disease and help restore the gums to a healthy state. It is a minimally invasive procedure that can help prevent tooth decay, bad breath, and even gum disease.
This article will discuss the basics of periodontal scaling and root planing, including the types of procedures available and the expected results.
Overview of Gum Disease
Gum disease is a bacterial infection that affects the tissues around the teeth. The bacteria in the gums feed on sugar and other debris found in saliva, which causes swelling, redness, and even pockets between the teeth and gums.
As gum disease progresses, it can lead to tooth loss, bad breath, and even complications in other areas of the body. It is a severe condition that significantly increases one’s risk of tooth decay and other oral health problems.
Gum disease is classified into two types: chronic and acute. Chronic gum disease develops slowly over time and is caused by poor dental hygiene and a weak immune system.
Acute gum disease is a sudden, severe infection that occurs when bacteria enter the bloodstream. It can lead to abscesses and other complications.
Overview of Periodontal Scaling and Root Planing
Periodontal scaling and root planing are standard procedures used to treat gum disease. It is a process that involves the removal of the plaque and tartar buildup that causes gum disease.
This process is done under a local anesthetic; some gum disease treatments may include using antibiotics to fight the infection further. Scaling and root planing are generally done in two steps.
During the first step, the gum is gently lifted from the teeth to allow full access to the root area. The second step involves using special instruments to remove the tartar, calculus, and bacteria from deep within the root area.
It is important to note that not all scaling and root planing procedures are created equally. The American Dental Association (ADA) is the leading organization that rates and certifies dental procedures. Selecting a dentist accredited with the ADA is essential, as they are more likely to be qualified.
Types of Procedures Available
Several scaling and root planing procedures are available, including traditional, surgical, and laser procedures.
Traditional scaling and root planing
Traditional scaling and root planing is the most common type of scaling and root planing. It is performed using hand instruments, such as curettes and periodontal probes.
It is often the first type of scaling and root planing treatment given to patients suffering from gum disease. Traditional scaling and root planing are standard in most dental offices.
Surgical scaling and root planing
This is a procedure that uses surgical instruments to gain access to the deeper areas of the mouth. It is generally used for patients with pockets that are too difficult to reach using regular scaling and root planing instruments.
Laser scaling and root planing involve using a laser to remove plaque and tartar buildup from the teeth. It is used on patients who need to respond better to other scaling and root planing types.
Expected Results
Scaling and root planing are excellent ways to clean and restore gum health. It is a standard procedure that is performed daily in many dental offices.
Scaling and root planing results depend on the severity of the gum disease being treated. Gum disease that is not too severe may respond well to scaling and root planing, while severe cases may need additional treatment.
Gum disease is generally treated with scaling and root planing procedures. This is because scaling and root planing do not remove all gum diseases. It simply treats the surface and removes the plaque and tartar, but it does not treat the infection itself.
This is why many patients require multiple scaling and root planing procedures.
Preparation for the Procedure
Before scheduling an appointment for scaling and root planing, patients should follow a few simple steps to prepare for the procedure:
Eat a healthy diet.
Eat a healthy, balanced diet that avoids sugary foods. This will help prevent the formation of plaque and tartar buildup.
Use oral hygiene products.
Brushing and flossing the teeth daily can remove some of the plaque and tartar that cause gum disease.
Visit the dentist.
Schedule an appointment with a dentist to receive a professional cleaning. This is the best way to identify if you are at risk for gum disease and other oral health issues.
Aftercare and Recovery
After scaling and root planing, patients should take certain precautions to ensure optimal healing. It is important to avoid strenuous activity that can increase bleeding and swelling, such as exercise and brushing the teeth.
Patients should also avoid smoking and consuming alcohol, which can irritate the gums. There may be some swelling, bleeding, and discomfort after scaling and root planing, but the pain should not be a significant issue.
Patients should rest and apply cold compresses to the gums to reduce swelling. After the procedure, patients may notice an improvement in their gum health, but they may not see complete results for several weeks.
They should follow up with their dentist regularly to ensure no complications occur.
Summary
Gum disease is a bacterial infection that affects the tissues around the teeth. These bacteria feed on sugar and other debris in your saliva, which will then cause swelling, redness, and even pockets between the teeth and gums.
As gum disease progresses, it can lead to tooth loss, bad breath, and even complications in other areas of the body. Periodontal scaling and root planing are standard procedures used to treat gum disease. It is a process that involves the removal of the plaque and tartar buildup that causes gum disease.
Several scaling and root planing procedures are available, including traditional, surgical, and laser procedures. They all generally involve using hand instruments, such as curettes and periodontal probes, to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth.
Visit Your Dentist At Supremia Dental Clinic Now!
When you visit your dentist at Supremia Dentistry, you can enjoy your favorite treats with a smile. We serve top-quality dental care to our patients from all over Wake Forest, North Carolina.
We aim to give you the finest because you deserve it. Our state-of-the-art facility features the most recent technical innovations and luxurious facilities. Our team is up-to-date on the latest research and discoveries in dentistry and knows how to do the latest procedures.
We belong to a family where every staff member is well-versed in all facets of the profession. We collaborate to provide you with an excellent experience.
Our dentists are committed to providing excellent patient care in a friendly, caring environment. We’re here to help you achieve beautiful smiles for life!
If you would like to learn more about our services, you can click here. We want you to become a part of our family and try a new kind of dentistry by making an appointment, so click this link or call (919) 556-6200 today!
