If you have gum disease, your dentist may recommend a deep cleaning procedure called scaling and root planing. This treatment can help remove plaque and tartar from your teeth and gums, preventing further damage to your oral health.
Here is some information about scaling and root planing that you should know.
What Is Scaling and Root Planing?
Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical treatment that involves cleaning the surfaces of your teeth and roots below the gum line. Your dentist or hygienist will use special instruments to scrape off the hardened plaque (tartar) that can cause inflammation and infection in your gums. They will also smooth out any rough areas on your dental roots that can trap bacteria and make it harder for your gums to heal.
Why Do You Need Scaling and Root Planing?
Scaling and root planing can help treat gum disease, which is a common condition that affects millions of people. Gum disease occurs when plaque builds up on your teeth and causes your gums to become red, swollen, and easy-to-bleed.
If left untreated, gum disease can progress to periodontitis, which is a serious infection that can destroy the bone and tissue that support your teeth. Periodontitis can lead to tooth loss, chronic bad breath, and other oral health problems.
How Can Scaling and Root Planing Benefit You?
Scaling and root planing can help stop the advancement of gum disease and improve your oral health. Some of the benefits of this procedure include:
- Reduced gum pocket depth. Scaling and root planing can reduce the space between your teeth and gums, where bacteria can accumulate and cause damage. A deep pocket indicates more severe gum disease and a higher risk of tooth loss.
- Lower risk of advanced gum disease. Scaling and root planing can remove the bacteria and tartar that cause inflammation and infection in your gums. This can help prevent periodontitis, which can damage your jawbone, ligaments, and teeth.
- Lower risk of tooth decay. Scaling and root planing can remove the plaque and tartar that can erode your tooth enamel and cause cavities. Tooth decay can lead to tooth sensitivity, pain, infection, and tooth loss.
- Elimination of bad breath. Scaling and root planing can eliminate the bad breath that is often caused by gum disease. Bad breath (halitosis) is usually a result of bacteria in your mouth that produce foul-smelling gases. Scaling and root planing can remove these bacteria and improve your oral hygiene.
To learn more about the benefits of scaling and root planing, schedule a consultation with a company such as Midtown Family Dentistry.
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