ONE SIMPLE WAY TO SAVE YOUR TEETH
ONE SIMPLE WAY TO SAVE YOUR TEETH
IT IS VITAL TO STOP GUM DISEASE IN ITS TRACKS WITH SWIFT AND EFFECTIVE TREATMENT SUCH AS SCALING AND ROOT PLANNING.
THE STEADY PROGRESSION OF GUM DISEASE
Gum disease can start out innocent enough with just a little redness and swelling. This inflammation is called gingivitis, and it can be easily reversed once the bacteria is removed with proper brushing and flossing. If left untreated, gingivitis will develop into gum disease where it will continue to progress until eventually you lose your teeth and bone.
SCALING AND ROOT PLANING
Commonly known as deep cleaning, scaling and root planing is most effective when gum disease is caught early. When bacteria multiplies and infects your surrounding gum tissue they form ‘pockets’ of infection that begin to breakdown the bone and connective tissue. Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical periodontal treatment that removes the bacteria and reduces the size of the pockets.
THE PROCEDURE
One of our highly-trained hygienists will carefully remove the build-up of tartar and plaque from above and below the gum line. The pockets are cleaned out and the roots of your teeth are ‘planed’ or smoothed to encourage reattachment of healthy gum tissue. You may receive topical antibiotics or anti-bacterial mouth rinses to fight off the bacteria as well. It is very important to maintain healthy at-home oral hygiene habits and to CONTINUE SEEING OUR DOCTORS FOR REGULAR PERIODONTAL MAINTENANCE TO CONTROL THE PROGRESSION OF GUM DISEASE.