Gum disease can be a serious condition if left untreated. If left untreated, infection or severe inflammation in the gums could spread into the teeth or the bone that supports the tooth roots. When gum disease becomes serious, it causes the gums to pull back from the tooth roots, leading to loose teeth and even tooth loss.
One of the most common and effective treatments is scaling and root planning, a deep-cleaning technique that removes the infection from beneath the gum line. This procedure reverses the effects of gum disease, allowing the gums to heal and returning your mouth to a healthy state.
Dr. Rentz can perform dental scaling using special tools, either manual tools, ultrasonic instruments, or a combination of the two. Sonic vibrations are used to remove the buildup of plaque, tartar, and biofilm from the tooth surfaces as well as under the gum line. In addition to this deep-cleaning method, the dentist performs root planing, which smooths out the surfaces of the tooth root. Uneven surfaces provide a safe haven for bacteria to build up, eventually forming a biofilm, plaque, and tartar. It is more difficult for bacteria to collect on smoother surfaces, so planning not only helps eliminate plaque and tartar that are already there but also helps prevent future buildup that can lead to a recurrence of gum disease.
Scaling and root planning treatment can take more than one visit. Dr. Rentz may choose to clean your mouth one-half or one-quarter at a time to ensure the most thorough treatment possible. This also allows part of your mouth to heal for a short time before the next section is cleaned, so you are more comfortable in the long term.
After your root planing and scaling treatment in Parker, be sure to take good care of your teeth and gums by brushing and flossing regularly and visiting Stonegate Dental Care about every six months. If you practice good dental hygiene after treatment for gum disease, your gums can recover completely, and you can avoid gum disease in the future.