Are you familiar with the process of scaling and root planing to prevent gum disease? Typically, a routine visit to the dentist involved a teeth cleaning that also addresses your gum line to prevent gum disease, which is a periodontal inflammation in the gums around the teeth. It often develops when bacterial plaque and tartar accumulate. If you are at risk of advancing gum disease, scaling and root planing may be needed to restore the health of your gums.

How Scaling and Root Planing Helps Prevent Gum Disease

Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical periodontal treatment done to stop gum disease from advancing. Healthy gum tissue is supposed to support each tooth, fitting snugly in position. However, when bacterial plaque and tartar accumulate around and under the gums, they can form pockets that cause the tissues to pull away from the tooth. Treatment is vital to halt advancing gum disease to prevent issues such as bone and tooth loss.

The Scaling and Root Planing Process

This process is typically performed as the first procedure used in treatment for gum disease. First, our team uses a special tool to scale away any bacteria, plaque or tartar from the tooth enamel and tooth root surfaces, and then we perform root planing to smooth out any rough root surfaces in order to prevent harmful substances from reattaching under the gums. Scaling and root planing encourages your gums to heal and fit snugly to the teeth.

Completing this procedure helps to firm up the gum tissue and reduce any bleeding as the gum pockets diminish. Additionally, our dentist may prescribe medication or a mouth rinse to keep infection at bay, as well as encourage you to maintain periodic dental cleanings so that we can monitor the gum tissue in cause any gum recession or reemergence of the pockets affect your oral health.

We invite you to schedule an appointment with Dr. Glenn Ong-Veloso or Dr. Joy Helou if you suspect you have gum disease and need scaling and root planing in Apple Valley, California. Please feel free to contact Glenn Dental at 760-284-3060 today!