South Ogden
Scaling & Root Planing
Scaling & Root Planing in South Ogden and Kaysville, UT
Gum disease is a serious oral health condition that left untreated, can ultimately lead to tooth loss. While the earliest stage of gum disease is easily reversed with proper at-home dental care, it often goes unnoticed. This is because of the symptoms, irritated and inflamed gums that bleed when you brush and floss, are often mistaken for aggressive oral hygiene practices. Later stages of gum disease require professional treatment. At Cassity & Legacy Implants and Periodontics, we can help to start the healing process with scaling and root planing.
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What Happens When You Have Gum Disease?
Gum disease is a progressive condition. Oral bacteria attack your gum tissue, causing it to become irritated and inflamed. Inflammation causes your gums to pull away from your teeth, creating pockets into which bacteria can travel. Once there, it becomes impossible, without professional help, to remove them. Bacteria attack your gums, your teeth, and your jawbone from these pockets, causing them to become deeper. Your gums begin to recede. Eventually, the structures supporting your teeth become weak, leading to loose teeth and, eventually, tooth loss.
Scaling
During the day, your teeth become coated with a sticky film, known as plaque. This substance is easily removed with your toothbrush. However, without proper brushing, it hardens into tartar, which is impossible for a toothbrush to remove, no matter how hard you scrub. Both plaque and tartar create perfect places for bacteria to hide and multiply. Scaling removes plaque and tartar buildup, along with bacteria, from the surfaces of your teeth, between them and below the gum line.
Root Planing
Root planing is a procedure in which the surfaces of the roots of your teeth are smoothed, effectively ridding them of plaque, bacteria and other toxins. Bacteria cannot collect on a smooth surface. In conjunction with scaling, your gums can begin to heal.
How Is the Procedure Performed?
The process starts with a thorough exam. We visually inspect your mouth and measure periodontal pockets. We may perform x-rays or use a periscope to see exactly what is happening below the gum line. Then we get started with scaling. If necessary, we can administer a local anesthetic, to help with any discomfort you may feel. We use a specialized scaling tool that allows us to thoroughly remove stubborn tartar buildup. After the surfaces are cleaned, we move on to root planing, carefully and completely smoothing the surfaces of your roots. Finally, we finish with an antimicrobial agent, which we deliver below the gum line to help destroy any lingering bacteria.
Scaling and Root Planing Benefits
Scaling and root planing offers several benefits:
- The procedure is minimally invasive and non-surgical.
- With your teeth rid of tartar buildup, the irritation and inflammation of your gums are eased.
- New bacterial growth is prevented.
- Gum disease is stopped in its tracks. Moreover, without gum disease, your mouth is healthier, and your teeth can remain intact.
- You may even feel a boost of confidence.
If you have been diagnosed with gum disease, or are experiencing symptoms, contact Cassity & Legacy Implants and Periodontics at South Ogden: 801-475-5577 or Kaysville: 801-444-2696 to find out if scaling and root planing is right for you.