Receding gums is a condition where the margin of the gum tissue surrounding the teeth pulls back exposing the teeth or the teeth\’s roots. Exposed teeth lead to sensitivity to cold and hot foods, sugar and brushing. The gaps that form between the teeth and gum line make it easy for tartar and disease-causing bacteria to build up. If left untreated, it leaves the roots more susceptible to gum disease, decay, and eventual tooth loss.
Receding gums are a common dental problem that occurs gradually, sometimes over a period of years and can be tough to spot early on. If you notice that your teeth appear longer or the spaces between them appear bigger at the base, you may want to contact a dentist for an evaluation. There are effective deep cleaning treatments that can repair the gum and prevent further damage.
Root Planing Treatment
If you have receding gums, they can be treated through a deep cleaning dental procedure. A deep cleaning treatment is a specific procedure performed by a dentist to treat gum and periodontal disease. Root planing and scaling are nonsurgical treatments of periodontal disease that aim at removing bacterial plaque and calculus from around teeth and under the gum line as well as smoothing the rough spots on root surfaces so the gums can reattach properly. The aim of the procedures is to produce healthier teeth and roots that aid in the recovery of the inflammation and infection that causes gum disease.
Normally, if the condition is caught in the early stages of gingivitis, regular professional cleanings can be recommended. However, if the disease has progressed to more advanced stages, a scaling and root planning treatment can help to effectively cleanse the periodontium.
Why Should You Get a Deep Cleaning Treatment?
- To prevent disease – Scaling and root planing removes bacteria and stops the periodontal disease from progressing which helps prevent the bacteria from traveling to other parts of the body.
- Tooth protection – Disease-causing bacteria are removed, and further deterioration of teeth and tooth loss is prevented.
- Fresher breath – Bad breath is alleviated with a deep cleaning procedure.
- Aesthetic benefits – Patients feel more confident to smile as the stubborn stains are removed to leave behind clean and healthier teeth and gums.
How Does the Procedure Work?
The treatment starts with scaling which involves the use of special instruments to remove tartar from the teeth and gums. Because the treatment can cause some discomfort, you’ll likely be administered an anesthetic. Depending on the severity of the condition, the dentist will either use a manual scraping tool or an ultrasonic scaling device to get rid of the plaque. It is then followed by root planing to smooth the root surfaces and remove any infected tooth structure. Root planning goes deep to address the surface of the tooth’s root.
Therefore, these two treatments often go together as the dentist scales away tartar and performs any necessary root planing all at once. A scaling and root planing procedure requires a minimum of two dental visits which is followed by a follow-up visit to confirm that your gums and teeth are healing and there is no pocket depth.
Root Planing in Arcadia, CA
If you want to keep enjoying the results of your deep dental cleaning, you\’ll need to keep up with your dental hygiene. Regular dental visits are crucial for the maintenance of healthy teeth and gums. It is also important to maintain a good dental care routine of brushing and flossing your teeth daily to prevent plaque and tartar build-up. If you have any concerns or questions about scaling and root planing, feel free to contact us by calling us on (626) 577-8880 or by clicking here.
