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What is Scaling and Root Planing?
Scaling and root planing is one of the treatments for periodontal (gum) disease.
What is Periodontal (Gum) Disease?
Periodontal (gum) disease is a condition in which bacteria attack the gum and bone tissues that surround and support teeth. It is an infection that destroys the gums and bone and can result in tooth loss. It is often painless and you may be unaware that your gums and bone are seriously affected. Periodontal disease can be treated if detected early.
What Causes Gum (Periodontal) Disease?
Periodontal disease is caused by plaque, a colorless film of bacteria that form on the teeth. If not removed daily, the bacteria in plaque creates toxins that irritate the gums causing them to become red and swollen. The gums will bleed easily. If not removed, the plaque will eventually harden to form calculus (tartar). The gums become even more inflamed. The toxins will eventually destroy the gum tissue attachment to the tooth forming pockets between the tooth and gums. Eventually, the bone that supports the teeth is destroyed.
Other Causes of Gum Disease
In addition to plaque, a number of other factors can contribute to the cause of gum disease. These include, poor diet, smoking or use of tobacco products, clenching or grinding your teeth, and certain diseases of medications.What are the Symptoms of Periodontal Disease?
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Gums that bleed during brushing and flossing
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Changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
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Teeth that are loose or separating
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Pus coming from between your teeth and gums
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Red, puffy, swollen, or painful gums
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Persistent bad breath or bad taste in your mouth
Your Overall Health May Be At Risk!
Research done at the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine has shown that people with untreated gum disease have a greater chance of heart disease and heart attacks. Bacteria in plaque are also linked to increased incidence in heart infections, lung infections in people with chronic lung diseases, a weakened immune system and a higher risk of giving birth to premature, low-weight babies.
 How is Periodontal Disease Diagnosed?
The only way to confirm a diagnosis of gum disease is with a thorough dental examination, including proper x-rays. During this examination, we use a special instrument called a periodontal probe to measure the space between the tooth and the gum. The normal space should be three millimeters or less. With gum disease, this pocket is four millimeters or more in depth. Pocket depth measurement, clinical examination and x-rays determine the precise extent of gum disease.
Treatment of Periodontal Disease
The type of treatment that you require depends on the precise diagnosis. Often, treatment begins with scaling and root planing. Scaling is used to remove plaque and tartar that is below the gumline.  The area is generally made numb by the use of a strong local anesthetic in order to reduce patient discomfort. The tooth's root surfaces are then smoothed or planed so that the gum tissue can reattach to the tooth. Generally, a section or two of the mouth are completed at each visit. Once the scaling and root planing visits are complete, another appointment is made so we can check how the pockets have decreased.
If the gum disease has progressed to a more advanced state, a referral to a dental specialist called an periodontist may be recommended for you. At Western New York Dental Group, PC, Dr. Gregory Farber can provide periodontal treatment within our offices. A periodiontist performs procedures such as curettage, gingvectomy and flap surgery to treat more advanced cases of gum disease.
Maintenance
Good oral hygiene at home is very important to help keep gum disease from becoming more serious or recurring. Following your scaling and root planing visits, your dentist will want to see you at regular intervals to make sure the disease is kept under control.
Final Thoughts
More than half the adults over the age of 35 have early stages of gum disease. Seventy five percent of all adults are eventually affected by it. It is the primary cause of tooth loss in adults. The good news is that you do not have to lose teeth to periodontal disease. With the type of treatment described above, most teeth can be saved. Also, here's what you can do to prevent or control gum disease:
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Brush and floss daily
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Eat a balanced diet
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Schedule regular dental visits for a thorough cleaning and examination
Remember, you do not have to lose teeth to gum disease. If you have any questions regarding this important part of your dental health, please ask us! |
