Whether it’s from poor oral hygiene, aging tissue, or genetics, gum disease is a serious oral health condition that affects more than 42% of adults over 30. It’s also a common reason why patients all over Central Florida conduct online searches for a “periodontist near me”. Moderate to severe gum disease usually needs to be treated by a periodontist, a dental professional who specializes in treatments related to the gums and jaw.
While there are several methods for treating gum disease, the first step often involves a procedure known as scaling & root planing. You can think of this treatment as a dental deep cleaning. At Ormond Beach Perio, we know some patients are nervous about the idea of gum disease treatment, so we’ve detailed everything you can expect about initial gum disease treatment below.
How Do I Know If I Have Gum Disease?
Gum disease occurs when a buildup of plaque starts to cause inflammation and infection in the gum tissue. The first stage of gum disease is known as gingivitis, which can involve swollen gums and some light bleeding when you brush your teeth. If left untreated, the condition can eventually progress to periodontitis, which can cause the gums to begin to pull away from the teeth. This creates pockets where plaque and bacteria can easily accumulate, and this eventually leads to tooth loss. Symptoms of periodontitis include severe bleeding or inflammation of the gums and oral discomfort.
What To Expect During A Dental Deep Clean
If you have moderate to severe gum disease, your treatment will likely involve some degree of scaling & root planing. Unlike a regular dental cleaning, this “deep cleaning” procedure allows your periodontist to eliminate plaque that is stored beneath the gums.
Prior to the procedure, your periodontist will apply a local anesthetic to minimize any pain or discomfort. If you’re really nervous, you can also ask about sedation dentistry options to help you stay calm during the procedure.
First, your dental provider will use an ultrasonic scaler, which is a tool with a vibrating metal tip, to chip tartar off the surface of your teeth. The scaler also has a water spray, which will wash away the tartar and flush the gum pockets. If tartar is difficult to remove, a manual scaler and scraping device may be used too.
Next is the root planing process. While the objective of scaling is to eliminate tartar on the teeth, root planing gets rid of tartar below the gum line. A dental tool will be used to carefully move your gums aside to expose the surface of your roots. The ultrasonic scaler will then be used to smooth over the roots and remove any tartar. If you have a severe case of gum disease, you may receive an injection of antibiotics to prevent infection too.
Some providers will perform scaling & root planing in one appointment, while others prefer to break it up into multiple.
What To Expect After A Dental Deep Clean
You may experience mild discomfort for a week or two after your appointment, but you should also begin to see a decrease in inflammation. As your healthy gums regenerate, they’ll be better equipped to reattach to the smooth tartar-free tooth roots. Any gum pockets around your teeth should also begin to decrease.
If you have a severe case of gum disease, scaling & root planing may not be enough. You may need flap surgery to reduce the size of your gum pockets or a soft tissue graft to replace some of your tissue. You can also ask your dental provider about laser periodontal treatment.
How A Dental Deep Cleaning Can Help Treat Gum Disease
If left untreated, gum disease could get worse and eventually result in tooth loss and jaw deterioration. But the problems don’t stop there. The chronic inflammation caused by periodontitis can cause health issues all over the body including conditions that impact the heart, lungs, and even the brain. A dental deep cleaning is an important step toward eliminating harmful bacteria that has built up along the teeth and under the gums, so your tissue can begin to heal and you can preserve your oral and overall health.
Stop Searching For A “Periodontist Near Me”– Call Ormond Beach Periodontics Today
When it comes to gum disease, you don’t want to delay treatment. Seeking quality care as quickly as possible is key to restoring your oral health. Dr. Beauchamp at Ormond Beach Periodontics is one of the best in the business when it comes to performing scaling & root planing. If you’re a Central Florida resident who needs a dental deep clean, schedule your consultation today.