Periodontal disease, or gum disease, begins when bacteria and plaque is not removed from under the gums. As this bacteria grows, the gums pull away from the teeth and bone loss begins, eventually leading to the loosening and loss of teeth. As periodontal disease progresses it becomes harder and harder to keep your mouth clean. It is important to treat gum disease as early as possible. Scaling and root planing is a common procedure for treating periodontal disease and involves going deep beneath the gums to remove all debris and bacteria.
Do you have Periodontal Disease?
Many cases of periodontal disease have little to no symptoms even though damage is being done. Some signs of periodontal disease include:
- Loose teeth
- Tartar build up on the teeth and under the gums
- Bleeding or swelling gums when brushing
- Periodontal pocketing
- Bone loss
During your dental cleaning appointments, your dentist or dental hygienist may tell you that you are developing or have periodontal disease and refer you to our office. Periodontal disease can have a large affect on your cardiovascular health and increase the risk of stroke and diabetes. Detection and treatment of periodontal disease is very important.
What can I expect from the procedure?
Dr. Gubler will conduct a comprehensive examination to evaluate your gum health and will design the appropriate treatment plan for you. Generally scaling and root planing will be one of the first steps to treating periodontal disease.
During the procedure your gums will be numbed using local anesthesia. IV sedation if also offered. Using a combination of hand scaling and ultrasonic technology, your doctor will thoroughly clean the bacteria and plaque from the pockets between the gums and the teeth. He may also smooth down any rough or porous areas of your roots to make it easier to clean and to prevent bacteria from re-growing.
Some post operative soreness or sensitivity is normal. You may be prescribed medications and homecare specific to your situation to optimize healing and manage any discomfort you might experience.
How do I properly care for my gums?
After scaling and root planing we recommend seeing a dental hygienist every three to four months for periodontal maintenance. This is slightly deeper and more thorough than a regular cleaning and will help maintain and improve your gum health. Good oral hygiene and homecare such as brushing, flossing, and using a water flosser will help prevent future bone loss and keep your gums clean and healthy.
Schedule A Consultation
The first step to treating your periodontal disease is a comprehensive exam. Call our office or fill out the form to request a consultation.
