If you consistently clean your teeth at the gum line, you will be able to fight the buildup of plaque and tartar at the edge of your periodontal tissues and avoid gingivitis. Unfortunately, even those who take care to fully protect their smile each day can experience poor periodontal health at some point in their life. The good news is that even if you already have an issue with gingivitis, it can be addressed through a scaling and root planing. This procedure is a focused cleaning that removes harmful microbes that are present on the roots of teeth below your gum line. Our Ankeny, IA dentist’s office will check to see if it might be necessary for you whenever you come in for a routine preventive dental checkup.
How Scaling And Root Planing Fits Into Preventive Care
Targeted periodontal care is not necessary during every preventive visit. In the course of your exam, your dentist will determine if there are any signs of gingivitis that make this service necessary. Typically, the only cleaning you receive at an appointment will be the traditional teeth cleaning provided by your hygienist. However, if you are experiencing problems with gingivitis, your periodontal cleaning will protect you from potential long-term oral health issues.
Undergoing A Scaling And Root Planing
A scaling and root planing is different from a standard dental cleaning because it targets portions of teeth that reside below your gum line. When bacteria have built up under your gums, they cause an infection that can lead to bleeding, swelling, tissue discoloration, and even the recession of your gum line. By removing the microbes that have started to multiply below your gum line, we stop the infection and give your gums time to heal.
What Can Happen If Gingivitis Is Not Addressed?
Just as a cavity will worsen in time without the appropriate treatment, gum disease can grow progressively worse if nothing is done to stop it. Without treatment at the dentist’s office, and without effective oral hygiene practices at home, an infection can worsen until gingivitis turns into a more advanced form of periodontal disease that increases your risk for tooth loss, and negatively impacts your general health. At this stage, you may need to arrange long-term treatment plans to fight the progressive harm done by an infection.
Talk To Your Ankeny, IA Dentist About Scheduling A Scaling And Root Planing
Our Ankeny, IA dentist’s office is ready to take care of you if you are struggling with poor periodontal health. By performing a scaling and root planing, we can remove the bacteria that are responsible for an infection that threatens your oral and general health. To find out more, contact Dental Impressions at (515) 965-0230 to schedule a visit.
