Gum disease is one of the most common dental ailments in adults today, and when left untreated, it can lead to more severe issues, including tooth loss. With expert periodontal treatment and maintenance, we can help you prevent gum disease from forming, or at least stop it in its tracks long before it can cause extensive damage to your oral tissues. During your regular diagnostic exam, Dr. Wright may spot signs of gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease. Warning symptoms can include red and swollen gum tissues, light bleeding in your gums, or separation between your gums and teeth (known as periodontal pockets). To combat the infection in your gums, Dr. Wright will recommend periodontal cleaning, known as scaling and root planing, to remove the oral bacteria that are causing it.
SCALING AND ROOT PLANING
Like regular dental cleaning, the goal of periodontal cleaning is to remove the threat of oral bacteria by cleaning away harmful plaque and tartar. However, because scaling and root planing is performed on the roots of your teeth, the procedure is slightly more delicate and can take more than one visit to complete. If gum disease has already developed, then scaling and root planing should be followed by a regular schedule of periodontal maintenance to control it. With a regular schedule of high-quality periodontal care, you can prevent gum disease from leading to tooth loss, even if it already has a hold on your oral health.
