Periodontal Treatment
Keeping a healthy mouth requires more than simply brushing your teeth. You also need to care for your gums to prevent the development of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is an infection of your gums that support and surround your teeth. If your gums bleed easily or are pulling away from your teeth, only a professional periodontal treatment from your dentist can save your teeth and restore health to your gums.
What is Periodontal Treatment?
Periodontal treatment is a non-surgical way to tackle symptoms of periodontal disease and reverse damage. One of the most common and effective periodontal treatments involves a deep cleaning treatment called scaling and root planning. These two techniques remove diseased gum tissue and smooth rough patches on your teeth where bacteria is known to linger.
Do You Need Scaling and Root Planing?
If your mouth shows signs of bacteria and infection, you should seek scaling and root planing treatment immediately. The earlier your gum disease is treated, the more efficiently your mouth can heal and the more teeth you can save. Believe it or not, 47 percent of adults over the age of 30 are impacted by chronic periodontitis, or advanced gum disease, and would benefit from scaling and root planing. Scaling and root planning can save you from losing teeth or needing dentures or implants.
How Do Scaling and Root Planing Work?
According to the Journal of Evidence Based Dental Practice, scaling and root planing are the “gold standard” treatments for patients with chronic periodontitis because they work so efficiently to give the mouth a deep cleaning. The treatment does not involve surgery, but a local anesthetic is often used to numb any pain and discomfort in the mouth.
During root scaling, your dentist will utilize special ultrasonic tools to remove the hard deposits of plaque and tartar from the teeth above and below the gum line. Root planing, meanwhile, smoothes the rough spots on the roots of the teeth that often lead to gum disease. This helps the gums reattach to the teeth and begin to heal. After scaling and root planing, it’s critical to uphold diligent dental hygiene practices to prevent the gum disease from recurring.
19th Avenue Dental in Everett, Washington offers scaling, root planing, and other important periodontal treatments to help you maintain the best oral health possible. Dr. Shuichi Yamaguchi provides gentle dentistry that tackles signs of gum disease and puts you on the road to a healthier smile. Call (425) 385-8130 now to make your appointment for periodontal treatment at 19th Avenue Dental.
