Scale & Root Planing and Periodontal Maintenance
Durango, CO
If you have gum disease, you may need a root scaling and planing procedure to help get rid of it. This is a serious condition that can lead to eventual bone and tooth loss. We will go through every treatment we can to prevent gum disease and other painful conditions. At Durango Dentistry, we recommend that you visit our dental office twice per year so we can do just that. We want to remove plaque and tartar before they can cause gum disease, gum recession, and the need for this procedure. However, if you do need a root scaling and planing procedure, we can help and we can ensure that you are as comfortable as possible during it.
What are the signs of gum disease?
You may have gum disease if your gums are red, swollen, or bleeding. It is natural for this to happen from time to time after eating something that irritates your gums or brushing too aggressively. However, if this happens on a regular basis then you may have some type of gum disease. Other symptoms are bad breath, loose teeth, pain while chewing, sensitive teeth or teeth that appear longer. If you live in the Durango area, we can examine your gums and let you know what the source of your problem is.
Risk factors
Along with noticing a variety of signs and symptoms of gum disease, everyone should understand the risk factors. Knowing what these are can help an individual avoid developing this oral disease. As with other dental issues, prevention is always better than treatment. Following are some of the things that put a person at risk for developing gum disease.
Genetics
Poor oral hygiene
Smoking
Diabetes
Certain medications
Stress
Genetics
Hormonal changes
Poor Nutrition
Compromised immune system
Other illnesses like active Perio disease and connective tissue
Gum disease can lead to other health problems
Gum disease is an inflammation of the gums and the tissues surrounding it, primarily caused by poor oral hygiene. According to a study conducted by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, over 80 percent of adults have some form of gum disease, and over 90 percent of those who have it do not know they do.
Gum disease is not limited to your oral health. Research has shown that it has also been linked to heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and cancer. You can avoid putting your health at risk by practicing good oral hygiene and living a healthier lifestyle.
It leads to chronic bad breath
If you have persistent bad breath that doesn’t seem to go away even though you brush your teeth regularly, you probably have gum disease. A gum disease, like gingivitis, is a bacterial infection that puts off an unpleasant odor, similar to what you expect when you have an open sore that festers. Instead of brushing more frequently and chewing excessive amounts of gum, schedule an appointment with your dentist to get the problem taken care of.
It has been linked to genetics
According to research conducted by the American Academy of Periodontology, your genetics can influence your vulnerability to gum disease. Even if you spent your entire life brushing your teeth regularly you can still be at risk of getting gum disease if it runs in your family.
You should also know that it is contagious — gum disease can be passed on to other people who do not have it if you kiss or share food and drinks.
Dental implants are affected by gum disease
Since dental implants are artificial teeth, they technically cannot be infected by the disease. However, the surrounding tissues around the implants are real and they can be infected, leading to the failure of the implants.
It is not limited to older people
When people hear about gum disease, a lot of them believe it is something they will have to worry about when they are in their golden years, which is far from the truth. Gum disease can affect anyone from children to senior citizens, which means nobody is safe from the disease.
It shortens your life
When gum disease is left untreated for a long time, it leads to the loss of teeth. According to research, the loss of your natural teeth shortens your lifespan, and the more teeth you lose the shorter your life expectancy. If you want to live into your golden years, try to protect your natural teeth as long as possible.
Treatment Options for Gum Disease
There are several ways to treat gum disease, and what we recommend will be based on how far the condition has progressed. To start, we typically recommend that our patients have a standard teeth cleaning. If you are only at the beginning stages of the condition, that is likely all you will need to return your gums to good health. However, if the condition has progressed further, you may need a dentist to provide you with the following:
Periodontal infection therapy. This is a therapy where chemicals are used to slow the growth of gum disease. In this case, your dentist may prescribe the use of an antiseptic mouth rinse, designed to reduce or fight gum disease. Used daily, it can work to kill bacteria.
Deep cleaning. A deep cleaning is typically conducted in four appointments. Your mouth is broken up into quadrants, with each area being cleaned on a different day. In a deep cleaning, the gums need to be pulled away from the teeth so a dentist can scrape off the plaque and tartar underneath the gum tissue. Naturally, this procedure can cause discomfort, which is why it is completed over multiple visits. However, some dentists use lasers, which can expedite the process.
Gum grafts. If your gums have receded and too much of your teeth or roots are showing, a gum graft may be necessary to restore the gum tissue back around the teeth. This can be done by suturing tissue from the roof of your mouth to your gums or using tissue from a donor. In both cases, the gums will be secured back around your teeth, like they were prior to your developing gum disease.
Antibiotics. Very often, your Durango dentist will prescribe antibiotics to be taken in combination with gum therapy. This is done to eliminate any infection that could be lingering.
Q&A: Scale & Root Planing
Q. What is periodontal scaling and root planing?
A. In this procedure, the plaque and tartar underneath the gum tissue is removed. This can be done using a metal dental tool, ultrasound energy, and lasers. A dentist will break up the plaque and tartar before scraping it out. If the roots have plaque buildup as well, the root planing procedure will scale them to remove the plaque and then smooth out any rough areas so the tooth can be both healthy and fully functional.
Q. How long does root scaling and planing take?
A. In most cases, this procedure will need to be broken up into four appointments. This allows a dentist to separate your mouth into quadrants and clean each one of them individually. Since the process is very methodical, it takes longer than the standard teeth cleaning and your gums may experience some irritation and swelling. By only cleaning one area of the mouth at a time, the process is more manageable and the recovery time is reduced.
Q. Will the dentist use anesthesia?
A. Yes. Your gums will be numbed before the root scaling and planing procedure starts. Some dentists may also use nitrous oxide or other forms of sedation to help relax you prior to getting started. When sedation is used, a dentist can sometimes complete more of the procedure in one sitting. Additionally, you may want to use a desensitizing toothpaste afterward in order to further numb the gums.
Q. What are the risks involved the procedure?
A. There is a risk of developing an infection from this procedure. You can help reduce the risk by rinsing with warm saltwater throughout the day and keeping your teeth clean. We may also prescribe you an antibiotic rinse to use. However, the biggest risk comes from not having the procedure completed at all. That can lead to more severe gum disease, gum recession, and even tooth loss
Q. What should I expect during and after root scaling and planing?
A. During the procedure, you can expect your gums to be numbed and for your teeth to be very slowly and methodically cleaned. Very often, an ultrasound is used to help break up the plaque and tartar before a dental tool scrapes it off of the tooth. Some dentists use lasers to complete the entire procedure. Since your gums will be numb, you will feel some pressure but should not feel any direct pain or discomfort. However, afterward, your gums will be sore, they will swell and may ache in general. You can help control this with ibuprofen and ice packs if necessary. Typically, the worst part is over within four hours, so you may just want to go home and sleep. In the rare case, your jaw feels sore and stiff, you can place a warm compress on it.
For several days to a week or more, you may experience some sensitivity when eating, especially if you are eating anything sweet. One way to address this is to use something soft to clean the area and then place a desensitizing toothpaste on a Q-tip so it can be gently applied to the area around your gums.
There will be some bleeding when you brush your teeth, but this should only last for a day or two. Just remember to be gentle when brushing around your gums.
Q. Are there any warning signs to watch for after the procedure?
A. Yes. If your gums are bleeding excessively, you develop a hard boil (bump) inside your mouth, or the irritation persists for more than two weeks, you should schedule an immediate follow-up appointment.
Q. Can I eat like normal after a root scaling and planing procedure?
A. No. We recommend that you avoid anything hot for two days and that you do not eat anything crunchy like nuts or chips for four days. This is to ensure that your gums do not experience any further irritation. Simultaneously, your gums may be sensitive to sugar, so avoid any candy or treats for several days. If you have a sweet tooth, try a sugar-free popsicle instead.
Q. What happens to my gums after they heal from the procedure?
A. Your gums should begin to return to normal, and there should be no restrictions long term regarding what you can eat. By removing the plaque and tartar, your gums should begin to return to good health. This means that the swelling you have been experiencing will be reduced, they should return to a healthy pink color, and they will no longer be irritated in general. As long as the procedure works as it should, you will not need more invasive gum procedures. However, if you have waited a long time and your gums have already started to recede, this may not be enough. You may also require a future gum grafting procedure.
Q. Will I need follow-up procedures?
A. Typically, you will need to return to your Durango dentist within six weeks for a no-charge follow-up visit. This is to ensure that your gum health has improved and you have healed from the scale and root planing procedures. The real follow-up procedure you need to visit our office for is a teeth cleaning, called periodontal maintenance. At Durango Dentistry, we recommend that you have your teeth cleaned every 3-6 months following a scale and root planing procedure. This will prevent plaque and tartar from building up again so you are unlikely to need a scale and root planing procedure in the future.
The consequences of periodontal disease
In its early stages, gum disease can cause some irritation and bleeding. There may be some discomfort, but it will be minimal. This stage is called gingivitis. If, however, it is left untreated the disease will spread, and the gums will start to recede by pulling away from the tooth. This creates pockets in the gum tissue that can expose more of the tooth structure and the root system. Once exposed, the tooth and roots are more susceptible to becoming infected as bacteria can gather and start to irritate the area. This can lead to cavities and infections along with bone loss. In severe cases, bone loss in combination with receding gums can lead to tooth loss. In many cases, adult teeth fall out due so because of gum disease.
Ways to Prevent Gum Disease
We recommend doing what you can to prevent gum disease so you do not experience discomfort or additional health problems. One of the best ways to prevent this condition is to keep your teeth clean. At Durango Dentistry, we encourage our Durango patients to brush their teeth two to three times a day and to do so in a circular pattern, moving food particles and plaque away from the gums toward the center of the mouth. You also need to floss on a daily basis and be sure to reach all the way down, rather than stopping at your gum line. Using an antiseptic mouthwash can also help kill lingering bacteria.
You also need to have your teeth cleaned at least twice per year. It is difficult to remove all of the plaque at home, and tartar is too hard to remove by brushing and flossing. We can remove both plaque and tartar in our dental office and reduce your risk of gum disease. Simultaneously, we recommend that you stop smoking, keep your blood sugar under control, and drink plenty of water, since this can also help improve your gum health.
Reversing periodontal disease
Good oral hygiene is vital when it comes to reversing and preventing gum disease from making a comeback. The mouth should be brushed twice daily and flossed once each day at a minimum. Toothbrushes should be replaced once the bristles become frayed since this reduces their effectiveness at removing plaque and food particles.
Keeping the mouth moist at all times also helps reverse gum disease. Saliva is a natural cleaner that removes bacteria and food particles from tooth surfaces. It helps defend against tooth decay and gum disease. Patients are advised to drink a great deal of water during the day and chew sugarless gum to stimulate saliva production. An antibacterial mouthwash can also help limit the bacteria in the mouth.
Patients can also fight gum disease by eating foods that boost the immune system. This slows down the disease's progression. People trying to reverse gum disease should consume foods that are rich in vitamins, meats, fish, dairy products, and fruits.
Smoking promotes poor periodontal health, so quitting increases the odds that a patient will be able to reverse gum disease.
Definition of Periodontic Terminology
Alveolar Bone Loss
Alveolar bone loss occurs when the bone containing the tooth sockets in the mouth decreases due to infection or resorption.
Bacterial Plaque
Bacterial plaque is a sticky film consisting of bacteria that coats teeth and can lead to tooth decay without proper oral hygiene.
Calculus
Calculus, also known as tartar, refers to the hardened dental plaque that forms on teeth due to a lack of proper oral hygiene.
Chronic Periodontitis
Chronic periodontitis is the most common form of periodontitis, involving inflammation of the tissue surrounding the teeth and pockets forming as well.
Comprehensive Periodontal Evaluation
A comprehensive periodontal evaluation is an effective and professional method for examining a patient’s teeth, plaque, gums, bite, bone structure and any potential risk factors to one’s oral health.
Conventional Periodontal Therapy
Conventional periodontal therapy is a non-surgical treatment that is also known as a deep cleaning or “Scaling and Root Planing.”
Debridement
Debridement is the process in which the patient’s teeth have thick layers of plaque that require a specialized procedure for removal.
Deep Cleaning
Also known as scaling and root planing, a deep cleaning involves the removal of plaque within the pockets or space between the teeth and gums.
Dental Prophylaxis
A dental prophylaxis is a thorough cleaning procedure that helps to prevent periodontal disease, gingivitis and the spread of plaque on the teeth.
Gingival Flap Surgery
Gingival flap surgery is a procedure in which the periodontist separates the gums from the teeth temporarily to reach the root of the tooth and nearby bone.
Inflammatory Disease
An inflammatory disease can result from oral inflammation and can lead to other disorders such as a heart attack, stroke, diabetes, kidney disease, sleep apnea and more.
Laser Deep Cleaning
A laser deep cleaning maintains the same goal as a traditional deep cleaning, but uses a dental laser to ease the process and avoid using metal tools on the teeth/gums.
Necrotizing Periodontal Diseases
A necrotizing periodontal disease is a disease that involves the necrosis of gingival tissues and lesions forming in the mouth.
Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy
Non-surgical periodontal therapy can include treatment such as root scaling and planing, which is a deeper dental cleaning to remove tartar from the mouth.
Peri-Implantitis
Peri-Implantitis refers to the inflammation of the soft and hard gum tissue that surrounds a dental implant and can be a result of losing supporting bone.
Periapical Abscess
A periapical abscess is an abscess that forms from inflammation containing pus in the tissue surrounding the tooth.
Periapical Cyst
A periapical cyst is a pathological cavity, roots of the teeth, that typically has epithelium in the lining and contains fluid or soft matter.
Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is a serious inflammation of the gingival tissues and the periodontal membrane of the teeth that causes pain and helps form deeper gingival sulcus.
Periodontal Ligament
A periodontal ligament is a tissue that connects the tooth to the bone and is destroyed by advanced periodontal disease.
Periodontal Surgery
Periodontal surgery is the treatment of extreme levels of periodontal disease that can involve multiple techniques to remove the inflamed tissue and infection before it spreads.
Periodontitis
Periodontitis is a lethal gum infection that results from poor oral hygiene, damaging soft tissue and destroying the bones that support the teeth.
Periodontium
The periodontium is the tissue that surrounds and supports the teeth, gums, periodontal ligament and bone.
Plaque
Plaque is a sticky film consisting of bacteria that coats the teeth after consuming various foods and beverages, requiring brushing to remove.
Pocket Depth
Pocket depth is the method for measuring the gum pockets surrounding the teeth to determine the overall health of the gums.
Regenerative Procedures
Regenerative procedures can include services such as bone grafting that replaces missing bone in the jaw with bone from the patient, a donor or a substitute material.
Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical therapy that involves the removal of dental plaque in hard to reach places with patients who do not take proper care of their teeth.
Tartar
Tartar is a hard calcified deposit of plaque and bacteria that forms on the teeth and promotes further decay of the enamel.