It might not have been too difficult to ignore, until it was. The early signs of gum disease can be disturbing, but much easier for some people to brush out than the advanced stages of gum disease. When the soreness of the gums won’t go away, the bleeding while brushing is routine, and the gums appear to be receding, it’s past time to call in the heavies. There’s a lot a dentist can do to get your gum disease under control and your oral health back on track – all you have to do is ask. Take a look at some of the many things your dentist can do to treat your gum disease.
Deep Cleaning – Scaling and Root Planing
Often called a “deep cleaning” outside dentist’s office and “scaling and root planing” within, this pair of related procedures can be a powerful combination in helping get gum disease under control.
When tartar, hardened plaque, dips below the gum line, it takes a little more than a standard teeth cleaning procedure. Take a look at the main elements of a deep cleaning:
Scaling – after anesthesia is administered to mute any discomfort, the gums are pulled back. From there, your dentist will carefully remove any tartar from the roots of your teeth.
Root planing – with the tartar removed, your dentist will smooth over the roots of your teeth so that the gums re-adhere to them uniformly. This procedure helps reduce or eliminate the bacterial pockets tartar creates between the teeth and gums.
Osseous Surgery
Taking scaling and root planing even further, this procedure seeks to removed tartar from the roots of teeth as well as diseased tissue. Removing disease hard and soft tissue beneath the gums and around the teeth will limit the spread of gum disease.
Periodontal Maintenance
In some cases, one appointment for scaling and root planing isn’t enough to get a case of gum disease back under control. If your dentist recommends periodontal maintenance, you may need a deep cleaning every few months until your gum disease can be managed without it.
Talk to a Dentist in Van Nuys, CA
Take a moment to schedule a consultation with a dentist in Van Nuys, CA to learn more about your options for gum disease treatment.