Periodontal disease impacts over half of adults ages 30 and over, and lack of treatment could mean the risk of painful symptoms and tooth loss. Our team can help fight the disease with a preventive procedure. In today’s blog, your Fort Bliss, TX, dentist talks about fighting gum disease with a scaling and root planing, so you can continue to enjoy a whole and healthy smile.
The Causes and Warning Signs of the Disease
Periodontal disease occurs when the gingival tissues in your smile become inflamed. The inflammation could lead to soreness and redness, even bleeding, and will grow in severity with time unless treated. Eventually, the tissues pull away from the teeth and form deep pockets or disease-causing bacteria to enter, which causes periodontal disease. You now have a side that cannot be cured, but can be managed with routine care, so you avoid the later stages linked to worsening symptoms, gum recession, and even tooth loss. In the early stages, we start the management process with a deep cleaning.
The Scaling and Root Planing
The scaling and root planing procedure involves using an ultrasonic scaling device and a manual pick to remove all plaque and tartar from the surfaces of the teeth, from the roots, and from beneath the gum line. Removing these harmful deposits allows us to manage the disease moving forward with traditional cleanings every three to four months. The procedure could take one visit or up to four, depending on the severity of your buildup. We will administer a local numbing agent to keep you comfortable during the procedure. Afterward, we polish the teeth to brighten them and also make it more difficult for plaque and tartar to adhere to the surfaces.
Traditional Cleanings
A traditional cleaning uses the same tools and technology as a scaling and root planing, but we only remove buildup from the surfaces of the teeth and along the gum line. Doing so every few months prevents your periodontal disease from progressing, so you avoid periodontitis, the stage linked to missing teeth and worsening symptoms. If you have soreness or redness in your gums, or if you notice bleeding or recession, please let us know so we can start treatment to protect your smile. Our team can help keep your smile whole and manage your periodontal concerns.
SPEAK WITH YOUR FORT BLISS, TX DENTIST ABOUT PROTECTING GUM HEALTH
We would like to help you enjoy optimal gum health and avoid the impact of periodontal disease. If you would like to learn more about protecting the stability of your smile, then call Fort Bliss Family Dentistry in Fort Bliss, TX at (915)895-3678! Now is a great time to see us so we can start treatment and help you and your family maintain your best possible smiles.
