Scaling and Root Planing Q & A
What is gingivitis?
Gingivitis is the earliest form of gum disease. If left untreated, it develops into periodontitis, which can lead to tooth loss. But don’t panic if you get a gingivitis diagnosis. This form of gum disease is both very common and treatable.
Gingivitis is caused by plaque remaining on your teeth, particularly along your gumline. Over time, if the plaque isn’t removed, it causes your gums to become inflamed. This inflammation is the key signifier of gingivitis. Some of the symptoms of gingivitis include:
- Reddened gums
- Swollen or puffy gums
- Sensitive gums
- Receding gums
- Bad breath
- Bleeding when you floss
Fortunately, gingivitis can be reversed as long as the plaque is cleaned from your teeth and you practice good oral hygiene to keep them clean.
Warrington Dental offers scaling and root planing to fully remove plaque from your teeth and help you heal from gingivitis.
What is scaling and root planing?
A common, highly effective, nonsurgical treatment for gingivitis, this procedure includes two different treatments that address plaque that’s formed under your gumline.
Scaling
During this treatment, your Warrington Dental oral health expert cleans the plaque from your teeth, including the part of the tooth under your gum line, by scraping (or scaling) the surface of your teeth clean.
Root planing
Next, they smooth (or plane) the root of your tooth. This helps your gums reattach to the tooth root, preventing the development of new plaque beneath your gum line where it’s challenging to remove.
What should I expect during and after scaling and root planing?
These procedures are nonsurgical and can generally be performed without any anesthesia. That said, if you’re uncomfortable before or during your procedure, talk with Warrington Dental. They can offer both local numbing agents and sedation dentistry to keep you comfortable and relaxed during your appointment.
After your appointment, your gums are able to heal and adhere to your tooth root. To continue this healing process, it’s important that you practice good oral hygiene — including daily flossing and brushing — at home to keep your teeth plaque-free.
The surgery-free treatment you need to protect your gum health is available at Warrington Dental. Call them or schedule your scaling and root planing appointment online today.