Most people don’t give oral hygiene a second thought. Brushing twice, flossing once each day, maintaining a healthy diet and regularly scheduled dental appointments are the norm for some, but all too often, people neglect even the most basic oral hygiene treatments only to be left with dental caries and gum disease.
Taking care of your teeth and gums not only makes for a healthy mouth, but also a healthy body. Recent research has indicated that gum disease can lead to other health problems including heart disease, diabetes, and even Alzheimer’s disease. Luckily, gum disease can be reversed, but only if you schedule an appointment with your dentist.
One of the first treatments for moderate to severe gum disease that your dentist may consider is a procedure called Root Planing and Scaling. According to Web MD, this procedure helps remove plaque and tartar while smoothing the surface of your teeth. This allows your gums to heal while they reattach themselves to your teeth.
Root Planing and Scaling is usually done in quadrants or quarters meaning that the entire procedure will take up to four appointments, however, depending on the severity of your gum disease, your dentist may opt to do the entire treatment in one or two appointments.
One of the most common treatments that does not require surgery, Root Planing and Scaling consists of deep cleaning conducted by your dentist or a periodontist. During the scaling process the plaque that has built up below your gum line is removed with either an ultrasonic tool or scraping instruments. After scaling, your dentist will gently sand your teeth in order to remove the rough spots on the roots and surfaces that harbor dangerous bacteria, plaque, and tartar.
The mechanical Root Planing and Scaling method that your dentist may use does not usually require an anesthetic, but occasionally your dentist may opt to numb the area to make you feel more comfortable. Manual Root Planing and Scaling tools require your dentist to get rid of the debris by scraping and digging. The ultrasonic Root Planing and Scaling method is not as uncomfortable as the manual technique and involves the use of a wand that moves underneath your gum line to remove bacteria and plaque. Some dentists will actually use both methods to help reverse gum disease.
For more information regarding gum disease, Root Planing and Scaling, schedule an appointment with your dentist today.