Periodontitis Problems? Try Scaling and Root Planing

Tooth decay and gum disease are problems that develop over time. That’s the nature of decay: it’s a process. Despite your best efforts, you may not always remember to clean your teeth, or you may do a lackluster job. Plus, the older you get, the more likely your teeth and gums are to wear down. In fact, over 47% of adults over 30 in the United States suffer from chronic periodontitis — that’s gum disease that has advanced past the initial stage known as gingivitis. Periodontitis is serious because it affects your gums and can spread to the roots of your teeth. This inner-most part of your teeth is the most sensitive and vulnerable. Failing to treat periodontitis can lead to tooth loss and other serious medical problems. Luckily, scaling and root planing offer a solution.

Scaling and Root Planing Are Part of a Deep Clean Process

Scaling and root planing are a two-step process that acts as a deep clean for your gums. Gum disease and tooth decay start with the same familiar source: bacteria. Plaque is constantly forming on the surfaces of your teeth, and when you fail to adequately disrupt this bacteria formation, the plaque can harden, and spread, and sink to your gum line. When your gums become inflamed long-term, you need scaling and root planing to get rid of the plaque.

Scaling Cleans, While Root Planing Smooths

Scaling is the first step in this cleaning process. During this procedure, your dentist will get into the pockets (gaps between your gums and teeth) that form during periodontitis, and clean out the harmful bacteria inside. Root planing is the process of smoothing out the roots of your teeth, so that your gums can reattach. This step is vital in protecting against future damage in the same spot.

Are You Suffering from Periodontitis?

Inflamed gums, tooth decay, and chronic pain are no fun. If you’ve got a problem with your oral health, you should address it right away. The longer these chronic issues go untreated, the worse they will get. Talk to your dentist to see if scaling and root planing are treatment options for you. Contact Dr. Roberts and the Greenhaven Family Dental team in Baxter, MN at 218-454-0523 and make an appointment today.