Deep Scaling and Root Planning

Gum disease, a majority of the time is caused by inefficient plaque (bacteria covering the tooth) removal. The buildup of bacteria and their waste products leads to gingivitis. This gingivitis brings a multitude of inflammatory cells into the area to attempt to clean out the infection. If not rectified gingivitis leads to periodontitis which is characterized by permanent bone loss, infection and loosening of teeth which leads to eventual tooth loss. This chronic inflammation has been shown not only to cause tooth loss but it will affect your general systemic health as well. Literature has shown a direct positive correlation to diabetes, heart disease, atherosclerosis, low birth weight babies and premature delivery.

The initial treatment of gum disease involves removal of the plaque and hard deposits (tartar) that has accumulated on your teeth and roots. I will first administer a local anesthetic and then one of our Registered Dental Hygienists will perform a scaling and root planning of the effected teeth. A majority of times this conservative procedure will resolve the infection. If not, due to the extent of the presenting bone loss, a referral to a periodontist will be made. No treatment of gingivitis or periodontitis will be successful without the patient’s acceptance of the role they played in developing the disease by inefficiently performing plaque removal. Without a commitment by the patient to perform daily efficient plaque removal, their periodontal therapy will fail.