Root Planing and Scaling Can Treat Gum Disease to Restore Oral Health

When most patients schedule a dental appointment, they do so in order to ensure that the teeth are clean and healthy. While the health of the teeth are certainly important to one’s oral health, patients must also pay attention to the health of the gums. The same bacteria that can cause various stages of tooth decay are also responsible for gum disease. Gum disease is an infection of the gums that, at its most advanced stage, may result in tooth loss. Among the restorative dentistry services available to treat oral health problems, Chrisman & Wyse Cosmetic & General Dentistry offer patients gum disease treatment. While the treatment method will be dependent on how far this condition has progressed, the majority of our Bloomington patients can benefit from root planing and scaling, a popular and effective gum disease treatment.

Candidates

Root planing and scaling is a type of gum disease treatment that can be effective for patients who are suffering from moderate to advanced degrees of gum disease. While a dental exam can easily determine if a patient is a candidate for root planing and scaling, the following symptoms are likely signs that gum disease treatment is needed:

• Red, inflamed gums
• Pain or heightened sensitivity around the teeth
• Bleeding of the gums
• Halitosis
• Loose teeth
• Pockets of space between the teeth and gums

Root planing and scaling can eliminate bacteria, plaque, and tartar in order to relieve patients of these uncomfortable side effects of gum disease.

Treatment

As the name would suggest, this treatment consists of two main components: root planing and scaling. Scaling is the term used to describe the deep cleaning that takes place. This treatment allows our dentists to clean the teeth beyond what is offered at a routine cleaning. We extend he cleaning to the full length of the tooth, removing bacteria, debris, plaque, and tartar from the visible surface of the tooth, as well as the area of the tooth that is beneath the gum line. In turn, this creates a clean environment for the gums. Root planing is a process in which the roots of the teeth are filed to create a smooth, slick surface. This makes it more difficult for bacteria to cling to the teeth and helps to prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar. As a final precaution to ensure that all infection is treated, root planing and scaling may also include an antibiotic treatment. With the teeth and gums clear of unhealthy bacteria, the gums can begin to grow healthy tissue, creating a close seal between the teeth and gums.

Benefits

The main benefit of root planing and scaling is that it restores a healthy oral environment and promotes the growth of healthy gum tissue. In addition, root planing and scaling can treat and stop the progression of gum disease, saving patients the need for more invasive, surgical treatment down the road.

Schedule an Appointment

At Chrisman & Wyse Cosmetic & General Dentistry, we are committed to helping our patients achieve optimal oral health while creating beautiful smiles. If you have a dental problem that requires treatment or are looking to address cosmetic flaws, we have the treatments that can help you reach your goals. Schedule an appointment at your earliest convenience to meet with Dr. Chrisman or Dr. Wyse. We look forward to hearing from you!