Why Do I Need Scaling and Root Planing?

If you have been experiencing red, swollen, and bleeding gums every time you brush or floss, it is time to schedule an appointment with your dentist who can determine if you are dealing with some type of gum disease.

Gingivitis is the least serious and can usually be taken care of with a professional cleaning. Gingivitis can be reversed as long as you follow your dentist’s instructions, brush twice, and floss once each day, eat tooth and gum healthy foods and schedule regular checkups with your dentist.

However, if your gum disease has advanced to the more serious periodontal disease, your dentist may recommend Scaling and root planing. If it is past the point of no return, and yes, some types of periodontitis are irreversible, then he or she may refer you to a gum specialist or a periodontist who can determine what steps need to be taken to get your gums healthy again

Scaling and root planing is the most conservative and most common type of periodontal disease treatment.

Scaling is used to remove the tartar or calculus and plaque that are attached to the surfaces of your tooth. Scaling targets the hard to reach areas below your gum line and along the roots of your teeth.

Plaque is loaded with bacteria and will stick to your teeth. Over time, that plaque will harden turning into tartar. Plaque is likely to stick to the rough surfaces on your teeth. Because of this, your dentist will use root planing to remove any of the calculus that is still on your teeth while smoothing out the irregular spots on the surfaces of your teeth.

Bacteria will eventually cause periodontitis as tartar and plaque give teeth an irregular surface that makes it easy for bacteria to hide and attach itself. Scaling and root planing will remove the tartar and plaque giving your gums a chance to heal. As long as you practice good oral health habits, you may not need another scaling and root planing. If you are in the early stages of gum disease, this maybe all that you need for treatment, however, more advanced gum disease may require more invasive procedures such as surgery.

If you would like more information regarding a professional deep teeth cleaning, or scaling and root planing, schedule an appointment with your dentist today who can determine what comes next if you are suffering from gingivitis or gum disease. Call and schedule an appointment today. 

Dental Emergency Quick Fixes

Dental accidents happen, but unfortunately, sometimes it is not always possible to make it to the dentist in a timely manner. Of course, there is no substitute for an emergency visit to your dentist however; there are some things you can do to make your dentist’s job a little bit easier.

Braces

If you or anyone in your family wears wire and bracket braces, it is important that you check them regularly. If a wire protrudes out, should snap, or rubs against your gum or cheek, try to push it back where it sits more comfortably. Use a pencil with an eraser on the end, and use the eraser to push it gently into a place where it will not rub. If that does not work, cover the wire that is protruding with a small sized cotton ball, a piece of gauze, or some orthodontic wax. Make sure that you schedule an appointment with your orthodontist as quickly as possible. Also, make sure that you never cut the protruding wire as the person who is wearing the braces could inhale it into their lungs or swallow it.

Missing Dental Filling

If you should have a filling fall out, try and plug the cavity with dental cement or dental was. You can buy both the wax or cement at your local pharmacy. If a filling should fall out you will want to see your dentist quickly. If you still have the filling, make sure to bring it with you.

Missing Dental Crown

If you lose a crown, try to slip it back into position on the tooth using toothpaste, dental cement or an adhesive used for dentures. This will hold the crown into place until you can make it to the dentist’s office.

Never attempt a DIY repair of an already damaged tooth, crown, filling or dental implant with super glue. All of these dental emergencies are jobs for your dentist.

It is nearly impossible to avoid a dental emergency; however, you can keep your teeth and gums in tiptop shape by scheduling regular appointments with your dentist. Call and schedule your dental checkup today.