Gum disease, also known as periodontitis, is a major cause of tooth loss. It may also be a factor in other conditions, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes and premature births, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Dentists recommend prompt treatment to stave off or minimize ill effects. The most conservative treatment is deep cleaning, which involves scaling and root planing. If you wait until the condition advances, you may need more invasive options such as gum surgery.
Reason
Periodontal disease arises when bacteria accumulate into a clear film of plaque along and below the gum line, irritating the gums. The plaque combines over time with natural minerals in the mouth to form the hard buildup known as tartar or calculus, according to Dentistry.com. The tartar on the teeth and roots serves as a good place for even more bacteria to grow, and a cycle takes hold. Deep cleaning removes the tartar from under the gums so that the inflammation and infection can clear up.
Procedure
In scaling, a dentist, periodontist or dental hygienist scrapes below the gums using hand instruments or ultrasonic vibrating tools. This can make the teeth rough, according to Dentistry.com. That is where root planing comes into play. The dental professional planes the tooth to leave a smooth surface that is less likely to serve as a haven for plaque and an irritant to the gums.
Risk
Scaling and root planing gets rid of "periodontal pockets"--which tend to harbor plaque--and lets the gums shrink back tightly against the tooth, according to Simple Steps to Better Dental Health, a dental information site developed by the health insurer Aetna. The downside is that this can cause the gums to recede. If the shrinkage is significant, your teeth will look longer and the roots may be exposed, leading to temperature sensitivity. Your dentist may prescribe a fluoride gel to prevent root cavities.
Recovery
Your gums may be sore following the procedure, according to Dental Fear Central. An over-the-counter painkiller such as ibuprofen may be helpful. You may also notice a bit of bleeding. Tread lightly when brushing and flossing so that you do not further damage tender areas. Some dentists have you rinse with salt water or another cleansing solution.
Effects
If you have only the earliest stages of gum disease, called gingivitis, one session may be enough. If it is full-blown-periodontitis, on the other hand, you will probably need to make repeat visits, according to Simple Steps To Better Dental Health. Each visit usually covers one quadrant of the mouth. Any damage the gum disease has already done to the supporting structures of the teeth is irreversible, according to Dental Fear Central, a site for people with anxiety about going to the dentist. But treatment such as deep cleaning can often prevent the condition from progressing.
