Taking care of your mouth is essential for keeping it healthy and preventing serious oral health issues. Keeping your mouth healthy requires a good oral hygiene routine. A significant part of your oral care takes place at home with brushing twice a day and flossing once a day. In addition to your daily care, it is also important to have your mouth cleaned and examined at least twice a year. Ignoring any part of your oral hygiene routine can significantly increase your risk for complications, including gum disease. If you have gum disease, Myers Dental can help with scaling and root planing.
What Exactly is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is an oral health issue that starts as a result of plaque and bacterial buildup on the teeth. These substances, while normal, irritate your gum tissues, which causes them to become then inflamed. This early stage of gum disease also called gingivitis, is easily treated, but also very difficult to detect. Without treatment, it only continues to worsen. The swollen tissues eventually begin to pull away from the teeth, leading to the formation of periodontal pockets.
Plaque, bacteria and other debris collect in these pockets. As a result, the tissue continues to swell, and the pockets grow deeper and deeper. Eventually, the bacteria can reach your jawbone. As the bacteria attack your jaw, the bone weakens, leading to areas of bone loss. Your teeth become loose and may even fall out. In advanced stages of gum disease, bacteria may even enter into the bloodstream, which can then lead to serious health complications.
Scaling and Root Planing for Gum Disease
Scaling and root planing are two procedures performed together to provide your teeth with a deep, thorough cleaning. This set of procedures is one of the most common for gum disease. Scaling is the cleaning of the surfaces of your teeth above the gum line. Using a special tool called a scaler, we can effectively remove even the most stubborn buildup from your teeth. We work carefully to thoroughly remove all accumulation. Special attention is given to, and just below, the gum line.
Root planing is the process of cleaning your tooth roots. During this procedure, small, specialized tools are inserted below the gum line. We carefully and completely remove plaque, bacteria, and other toxins from the root surfaces, effectively smoothing them. This makes it more difficult for new bacteria to accumulate. By removing all debris from above and below the gum line, the irritation is alleviated from your gums. As a result, gum disease is halted, and your gums can begin healing and reattaching to your teeth.
The Benefits of Scaling and Root Planing
There are several benefits to treating gum disease with scaling and root planing. These benefits include
• Irritation is alleviated, which helps your gums to begin healing and reattaching to your teeth.
• The progression of gum disease is slowed and stopped.
Scaling and root planing can help to put a stop to the progression of gum disease, allowing your gums to heal. For more information, and to schedule your appointment, call Myers Dental at (512) 506-9889 today.
