Gum Disease Treatment
Gum Disease Treatment (Scaling and Root Planing) in Lakeland, Fl
Gum disease is caused by plaque, a thin and sticky film made up of bacteria. Plaque is constantly forming on the teeth and requires proper and regular cleaning. The bacteria can cause inflammation in your gum, leading to the gums pulling away from the teeth and creating pockets. Once plaque enters these pockets, regular brushing cannot dislodge it. You cannot leave gum disease untreated, as it can cause bone and tooth loss. At Waterlake Family Dentistry, we provide gum disease treatment services to help you recover your dental health.
When gum disease is detected early and has not reached the structures below the gum line, the condition can be improved with professional cleaning. Once the pockets become too deep, we may recommend scaling and root planing.
Scaling & Root Planing
- Tartar, calcified deposits, are a big contributing factor to gum disease. These deposits can form below the gum line.
- Bacteria can settle in the tartar and can break down the bone and gum tissue.
- The formation of tartar deep inside pockets requires scaling and root planing.
- This treatment is also known as deep cleaning.
- The treatment can require two appointments.
Once the treatment is complete, a periodic reassessment will be required to check the gums for healing.
What is Involved in Scaling & Root Planing?
Deep cleaning involves two phases. During scaling, our dentist will remove the plaque, tartar, and stain, both above and below your gumline. Everything including the bottom of the pocket is cleaned.
The next phase is root planing. This involves smoothing out the teeth’ roots so that the gums can get reattached to the teeth. The root surfaces of the teeth are smoothed out to let the gum tissue heal and get refixed. The procedure may require local anesthesia in some cases. As mentioned above, the treatment may require several visits and vary based on your specific needs. Scaling and root planing are effective in treating gum disease before it has become severe.
Post-Procedure Care
Scaling and root planing are combined with a home care regimen to stop and reverse the progress of gum disease. You will have to follow the maintenance schedule suggested by Dr. Ma for optimal results. During the healing phase, the gums start to tighten and the pockets will shrink. During the healing stage, the tightening of the tissue can cause exposure of more tooth roots than normal.
When it comes to gum disease, it is best to detect the condition as early as possible. This increases the chances of scaling and root planing providing effective treatment. If the disease has progressed beyond a certain stage, you may be required to undergo periodontal surgery.
At Waterlake Family Dentistry, we provide comprehensive dental care and services to our patients in Lakeland, Florida. We are members of the American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, and the West Coast District Dental Association. Our staff, led by Dr. Ma, offers personalized dental care in a comfortable and inviting office.