Scale and Root Planing Aftercare

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Gum disease is an infection of the tissue that surrounds and supports the teeth. It is caused from a bacterial plaque that creates toxins and can cause damage to the gums. Bleeding gums are a major warning to the possibility of tooth loss, and we need to address that right away. Gum disease should be treated with a multi-faceted approach that typically includes antibiotics, deep teeth scaling wilmington nc, mouth rinses and surgery, as needed.

Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is a bacterial gum infection which destroys the attachment fibers that support the bone that holds your teeth securely in your mouth. The primary cause of this disease is bacterial plaque, which is a sticky and colorless film that continuously forms on the teeth. When plaque is not properly removed, it can become a hard substance which is called calculus. This process can take less than two days. The only way to remove calculus is through a professional cleaning. In the event that calculus forms below the gum line on the root of the tooth, it is quite difficult to remove the plaque and puts you at risk for periodontal disease.

Toxins or poisons which are produced by the bacteria in plaque cause irritation to the gums and infection. These toxins can also destroy the supporting tissues which surround the teeth, including the actual bone. When this occurs, the gums pull away from the teeth and form pockets which can fill with additional plaque and lead to additional infection. As the disease progresses over time, these pockets can grow and lead to the destruction of more gum tissue and bone. In severe cases, the teeth can eventually become loose and ultimately need to be extracted. The following are the most common types of periodontal diseases.

Gingivitis

A mild form of gum disease is gingivitis. This condition causes the gums to be red, swollen and easily bleed. This stage of gum disease is usually associated with little to no discomfort. Gingivitis can be reversed through professional treatment and good oral hygiene at home.

Mild Periodontitis

When gingivitis is left untreated, it can advance into periodontitis. In the early stages, periodontal disease can destroy the bone and tissue which support the teeth.

Moderate to Advanced Periodontitis

In the mid-stages of periodontal disease, patients can experience additional destruction of the bone and tissue. More advanced forms of periodontitis can cause extensive loss of bone and tissue. In this stage, the teeth can become loose and require removal.

Periodontal Disease Treatment

Treatment for periodontal disease can drastically vary from patient to patient. In cases where the disease is caught early, simple procedures can be performed to remove the plaque and calculus from below the gum line. This eliminates the infection which causes the bacteria. More advanced stages of the disease requires more extensive treatment. Treatment techniques exist in modern dentistry which can restore lost bone and gum tissue.

Scaling and Root Planing

Most patients who have periodontal disease require a special deep cleaning which is called scaling and root planing. Scaling and root planing works by removing plaque and tartar located below the gum line. This helps to control the growth of destructive bacteria and helps the gums reattach to the root of the tooth. Because the procedure is performed below the gum line, the gums are typically numbed to prevent any discomfort. Two to four visits may be required to the complete scaling and root planing treatment. Patients may experience some soreness immediately following the treatment.

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