The health of your gums is equally important to that of your teeth, and the biggest threat to your gums is a preventable infection called periodontal disease. This is the leading cause of tooth loss, and at least 50% of Americans have a form of this infection even though they may not realize it. If Dr. Fromuth detects signs of this problem, he will probably recommend scaling and root planing to save your smile.
Gum disease is an infection caused by tartar buildup due to poor oral hygiene habits, and it can usually be reversed in its early stage called gingivitis if the patient improves their hygiene regimen. However, if it’s not addressed, it will only get worse and eventually destroy the structures supporting your teeth when it reaches the more advanced stage called periodontitis. It can also lead to tooth loss and may increase your risk of serious health issues like cardiovascular disease, respiratory infections, and Alzheimer’s illness. Periodontitis can result in symptoms like receding gums, constant bad breath, and tooth loss, and it must be addressed by a qualified dental professional.
Scaling and root planing is a common and effective form of gum disease treatment for patients who have symptoms such as:
If you have any signs of the infection, it’s best to schedule an appointment at our office in Manchester right away. During your consultation, we will perform a thorough examination to assess the condition of your gums and find the best way to restore your health.
A deep cleaning, also called scaling and root planing, usually requires two separate appointments to restore the health of your gums after infection. During the first stage, Dr. Fromuth will use a special dental instrument to remove accumulations along and below the gum line and as far down as the pockets of the gums. During the second stage, he will use another tool to smooth the surfaces of the roots of your teeth. This discourages future infections and helps your gum tissue to reattach to your dental structure.
We will use a local anesthetic to numb your mouth before beginning the gum disease treatment, so you won’t feel any pain or discomfort during the procedure. Afterward, it’s normal for your gums to be a bit swollen or tender for a couple of days. It’s best to avoid eating or drinking anything that might cause irritation to the healing tissue like chips, spices, or extremely hot items.
Although your gums might be a bit sore, it’s important to maintain your oral hygiene at home to prevent the infection from recurring. We’ll explain how to brush and floss your teeth to allow your smile to heal and provide you with all other necessary aftercare instructions.
Adhering to our aftercare instructions is the best way to ensure your comfort and a smooth healing process after scaling and root planing. You can expect to need a few weeks to recover completely as well as dental sensitivity and some discomfort during this period. We will probably recommend taking the following measures to ensure a smooth healing process: