If you don’t brush and floss regularly and fail to keep up with regular dental checkups, plaque may develop on your teeth. Plaque allows bacteria to thrive, and over a period of time, plaque can lead to the formation of tartar, which can lead to gum disease. For gum disease, your dentist may recommend tooth scaling and root planing, which are deep cleaning procedures. Brushing or flossing will not get rid of tartar otherwise. Before you see a local dentist North York ON to discuss further, here are some essential details worth knowing. 

What exactly is scaling and root planning?

Tooth scaling is a deep cleaning procedure that removes tartar from the teeth’s surface. Tartar is usually visible to the eyes as hardened material close to the gumline. Root planing helps remove tartar and bacterial growth from the roots of teeth. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to have advanced periodontal disease to get any of these procedures. Even if your dentist finds initial signs of gum disease, they may recommend scaling at the least. 

What are the risk factors?

Risk factors for periodontitis include diabetes, genetics, heart disease, and hormonal changes. Patients who have orthodontic concerns, such as malocclusion, are also more likely to suffer from some form of gum disease. Stress and smoking are other known factors. 

What is the procedure like?

During tooth scaling, your dentist will use a scaler to chip off the tartar on teeth above the gumline. The scaler has a water spray that helps wash away tartar and plaque, cleaning the gums and teeth. A manual dental scaler and scaping device may be used to remove the remaining tartar. Root planing is also similar, except that it cleans the roots of the teeth. The dentist will use a tool to push the gum tissues and expose tooth roots, and using similar scaling tools, they will chip tartar from roots. If the infection is at an advanced stage, your dentist may use an antibiotic medication directly into the pockets. 

Other things to know

If the gum pockets haven’t decreased after scaling and root planing, further surgical treatments may be necessary. The most common surgery is bone grafting, which helps replace lost bone with bone from a donor or lab-made materials. Pocket reduction surgery, also called flap surgery, is used to reduce gum pockets. Soft tissue grafting is also another procedure to treat gum disease after the loss of gum tissues. Depending on the severity of gum disease, multiple dental appointments may be necessary to complete scaling and root planing. 

Are there any risks?

While you may experience some swelling and discomfort after tooth scaling and root planing, the risks are minimal. Your dentist will discuss your health concerns, such as heart disease, to determine whether you need antibiotics to avoid risks of bacterial infections. Some patients also experience teeth sensitivity, which should subside with time. 

What signs should you look for?

You may have gum disease if you experience symptoms like bad breath and bleeding gums. Early signs of gum disease include difficulty chewing food and bleeding from gums while brushing and flossing. In more advanced stages, you may experience receding gums, loose teeth, and sensitivity. If the infection is deep, you may also experience toothaches. 

Final word

Don’t ignore signs of gum disease, considering most concerns can be addressed effectively in the early stages. Also, advanced periodontitis often requires surgery and other complex procedures. Many patients experience significant differences with just scaling and root planing alone. If you still have concerns or want to understand risks unique to you, meet an experienced and reputed dentist in North York without delay.