The problem with treating many dental health concerns is that treatment isn’t always exactly a cure. For example, in many cases of gum disease, the condition that affects your gum tissues can remain a threat even after you’ve received treatment for it. From that point forward, your goal will be to consistently manage the condition and prevent it from becoming more severe and causing more extensive damage to your oral health. Fortunately, gum disease can be successfully mitigated, and the earlier you address it, the better. If you notice signs of gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease, then you should schedule scaling and root planing with your dentist as soon as possible.
Where gingivitis comes from
The earliest stages of gingivitis develop from an excessive buildup of oral bacteria along your gum line. This is one of the reasons why it’s so important to practice consistently good dental hygiene – brushing and flossing is the most effective way to stop oral bacteria from accumulating each day. When they do, certain types of bacteria can move underneath your gums, forming dental plaque on your teeth roots between their surfaces and your gum tissues. This leads to the infection known as gingivitis, and before long, it can cause the formation of more serious gum disease.
What scaling and root planing means
Scaling and root planing is a procedure that’s also known as periodontal cleaning, or deep cleaning. It’s a process similar to a regular dental cleaning, but is more involved and only recommended when gingivitis has become a threat. Periodontal cleaning involves carefully exposing the roots of your teeth to thoroughly clean away the harmful bacteria that has accumulated on them. Because it’s more complex than routine dental cleaning, scaling and root planing can take multiple visits to complete, but it can also stop gingivitis’ progression and allow your healthy gum tissues to heal.
Why it isn’t always a cure for your gingivitis
When you treat gingivitis as early as possible, there’s a good chance that you can reverse it and eliminate the threat of gum disease for the time being. However, more advanced gum disease cannot be completely reversed or cured. Because of this, scaling and root planing may be only the first step in successfully mitigating your gum disease. To continue keeping your smile healthy, you may also need to stick to an ongoing schedule of periodontal maintenance.
Learn if you need scaling and root planing
If you develop gingivitis, then scaling and root planing may help you reverse the condition, or at least bring it under control to prevent it from causing more harm. To learn more, schedule an appointment with us by calling Dreem Dentistry in Leawood, KS, today at 913-681-5500. We also serve patients who live in Overland Park and all surrounding communities.
