Different types of foods and beverages can cause a bacterial film to build around the gumline where the teeth and gums meet. This is a sticky substance called plaque. If proper, regular brushing and flossing are neglected, the plaque can harden and turn into tartar, which can irritate the gums if it is not removed. This inflammation then causes gingivitis. Those who suffer from this issue may experience several different symptoms:
Teeth scaling and root planing can remove stubborn tartar and prevent further infection to improve a patient’s overall oral health.
Individuals with chronic or moderate gingivitis may have a dentist recommend teeth scaling as a tool for cleaning away hardened tartar at the gumline. This process is usually more involved than a simple cleaning and may take longer. Patients may be informed of additional details at the initial consultation.
During the process, a dentist may apply a local numbing agent to the area to reduce discomfort and then use several different scraping tools to remove stubborn tartar. Special attention may be paid to pockets between the teeth and gums, which can form once gingivitis advances to periodontal disease. When food particles become trapped in these pockets, it can contribute to tartar buildup. Pressurized water and ultrasonic tools may also be employed to remove areas of hardened tartar. Root planing may be performed during the same appointment.
When gum disease is present, this can cause a tooth’s root to detach from the gums and create gaps that collect bacteria and food particles. These spaces can be difficult to reach with regular brushing or flossing and may eventually result in tooth loss. A dentist can attempt to reverse this process with root planing. During this procedure, plaque and tartar are removed with scraping and smoothing tools, which can prevent further infection. The affected roots are then smoothed out so bacteria can no longer collect, which allows the area to heal.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Gum Disease in Long Beach, CA.
Because scaling and root planing both involve deep-cleaning processes, patients may experience tenderness or soreness at the treated area. Dentists typically recommend continued regular brushing and flossing to keep the area clean. Post-treatment checkups may be scheduled a few weeks after scaling and planing to ensure periodontal pockets are healing as expected.
Gingivitis can advance into serious gum disease when it goes untreated. Teeth scaling and root smoothing can reverse inflammation, bleeding and the eventual tooth loss that often occurs at the final stages of the disease.
Request an appointment or call Paramount Dental Care & Specialty at 562-450-1261 for an appointment in our Long Beach office.
Although the gums may bleed occasionally from rough brushing or flossing too vigorously, frequent bleeding gums are a sign that something is wrong. Dental issues are the most common cause of this bleeding, often due to proper oral hygiene not being practiced. Depending on the cause of the bleeding, there are certain treatments and preventative…
Bleeding gums are the most common oral health issue that people experience. You might think you can ignore your bleeding gums or think the issue is not serious. Research shows that your periodontal health does impact your health in other ways. Often bleeding gums is the most obvious sign that all is not well in…
Understanding what causes bleeding gums is vital for preventing this common condition and promoting proper oral hygiene. Dentists can make recommendations to help patients maintain healthy gums and avoid widespread health and oral complications.People frequently dismiss gum bleeding as a normal consequence of overly aggressive brushing or flossing. Using a toothbrush with stiff bristles might…
Although the gums may bleed occasionally from rough brushing or flossing too vigorously, frequent bleeding…
Bleeding gums are the most common oral health issue that people experience. You might think…
Understanding what causes bleeding gums is vital for preventing this common condition and promoting proper…
Getting immediate treatment for urgent conditions can prevent further damage and health risks.
In and of themselves, bleeding gums are not a huge cause for concern. However, the…
Improper dental hygiene is the number-one cause of bleeding gums. Gums that are not properly…
