Healthy oral habits can prevent issues that may lead to infections such as gum disease. This problem, also known as gingivitis, can be common in both children and adults; however, if it is left untreated, it may worsen and cause serious discomfort or cause secondary infections within the body. Oral treatments such as scaling and planing can battle gingivitis, help maintain good oral health and prevent future infection. Patients who plan to undergo these processes may feel greater peace of mind understanding what is involved before arriving for an appointment.
Different types of foods and beverages can cause a bacterial film to build around the gumline where the teeth and gums meet. This is a sticky substance called plaque. If proper, regular brushing and flossing are neglected, the plaque can harden and turn into tartar, which can irritate the gums if it is not removed. This inflammation then causes gingivitis. Those who suffer from this issue may experience several different symptoms:
Teeth scaling and root planing can remove stubborn tartar and prevent further infection to improve a patient’s overall oral health.
Individuals with chronic or moderate gingivitis may have a dentist recommend teeth scaling as a tool for cleaning away hardened tartar at the gumline. This process is usually more involved than a simple cleaning and may take longer. Patients may be informed of additional details at the initial consultation.
During the process, a dentist may apply a local numbing agent to the area to reduce discomfort and then use several different scraping tools to remove stubborn tartar. Special attention may be paid to pockets between the teeth and gums, which can form once gingivitis advances to periodontal disease. When food particles become trapped in these pockets, it can contribute to tartar buildup. Pressurized water and ultrasonic tools may also be employed to remove areas of hardened tartar. Root planing may be performed during the same appointment.
When gum disease is present, this can cause a tooth’s root to detach from the gums and create gaps that collect bacteria and food particles. These spaces can be difficult to reach with regular brushing or flossing and may eventually result in tooth loss. A dentist can attempt to reverse this process with root planing. During this procedure, plaque and tartar are removed with scraping and smoothing tools, which can prevent further infection. The affected roots are then smoothed out so bacteria can no longer collect, which allows the area to heal.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Gum Disease in Alexandria, VA.
Because scaling and root planing both involve deep-cleaning processes, patients may experience tenderness or soreness at the treated area. Dentists typically recommend continued regular brushing and flossing to keep the area clean. Post-treatment checkups may be scheduled a few weeks after scaling and planing to ensure periodontal pockets are healing as expected.
Gingivitis can advance into serious gum disease when it goes untreated. Teeth scaling and root smoothing can reverse inflammation, bleeding and the eventual tooth loss that often occurs at the final stages of the disease.
Request an appointment or call Alexandria Old Town Dental at 703-763-1078 for an appointment in our Alexandria office.
Periodontal disease, or gum disease, can be incredibly concerning and lead to other, more severe oral health issues if left untreated for an extended amount of time. Consequently, it is important to fully understand the various signs and symptoms of periodontal disease in order to be able to spot periodontal disease as soon as it…
The CDC states that gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is one of the leading oral infections in the United States. In addition, the National Institute of Health cites it as the most common culprit for adults losing teeth. Because the early stages of periodontal disease often do not have noticeable symptoms, many patients…
Gum disease is a serious condition that can result in a need for periodontal treatment. Treatment is needed in order to destroy the infection and prevent it from getting worse. Oftentimes, without treatment, a case of gum disease can become advanced, which can result in tooth loss, receding gums, and even jaw deterioration, all of…
Your entire household can have their teeth checked out at the same time if you visit a family dentist. These are dentists who are trained to provide services to patients of all ages. Getting routine dental checkups is an essential part of good oral hygiene. Most dental issues can be avoided by practicing good oral…
Typing dentist near me in your search box can give you a great start. Getting comprehensive oral care from the right dental care professional is the goal. A provider near you will give you easier access to necessary dental treatments. Entering dentist near me in your online search can give you an advantage in your…