Each biannual visit to your South Simcoe Dental Care office in Bradford, Ontario involves a teeth cleaning and an exam. The cleaning usually involves your dentist scaling the teeth along with the gumline, removing plaque, tartar, and calculus from the mouth. Your teeth are also polished, removing stains and smoothing the surface of teeth. However, this may be modified if you have gum disease and you will get a scaling and root planing cleaning instead.
Cleanings from your dentist are meant to prevent the development of periodontal disease in teeth. Scaling and root planing is a procedure done to provide treatment for gum disease. It is sometimes referred to as a deep cleaning, and it is considered one of the most effective treatments for chronic periodontitis.
What is Gum Disease
Gum disease is when plaque, bacteria, and tartar start to accumulate on the gum line and affect the tissues that keep your teeth supported in the mouth. Some symptoms of gum disease include:
- Excessive tartar
- Deep gum pockets
- Bad breath
- Swollen, red, or tender gums
- Pain in the mouth
- Bleeding while flossing, eating, or brushing
- Mouth sores
- Loose teeth
If you or your dentist notices any of these signs, a scaling and root planing may be recommended to treat the disease.
The Procedure
It may take several dental visits to complete the procedure. Your South Simcoe dentist will scale the plaque, bacteria, and excess tartar from teeth and the roots. Then your roots will be smoothened so that bacteria and plaque cannot reattach itself to the gum line. Scaling and root planing is just one procedure performed to prevent gum disease, but conditions that are more advanced may require periodontal surgery.
Our dental office believes that prevention is the best treatment for periodontal disease and tooth decay. We can provide patients with oral care and monitoring to prevent the development of conditions like periodontal disease. Schedule an appointment with our office in Bradford, Ontario for a comprehensive check-up and dental exam to prevent dental conditions from developing or worsening.
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