Oregon City Gum Disease Treatment
Gum disease is a chronic inflammatory condition of the gums and structures that support the teeth. Left untreated it can lead to tooth loss and gum abscesses.
Gum Disease Treatment – Scaling or Deep Cleaning
Scaling and root planing, also known as deep cleaning, is a common non-surgical dental procedure performed to treat gum disease or prevent its progression. It involves the removal of plaque, tartar (calculus), and bacterial toxins from the surfaces of the teeth and below the gum line.
Before scaling and root planing, the dentist or dental hygienist will evaluate the condition of your gums and measure the depth of the gum pockets using a periodontal probe. This assessment helps determine the severity of gum disease and the extent of treatment required.
To ensure your comfort during the procedure, a local anesthetic may be administered to numb the gums and teeth being treated. This helps prevent any discomfort or sensitivity.
Scaling involves your dental professional will use special instruments, such as ultrasonic scalers, which use high frequency vibrations, to remove plaque and tartar from the tooth surfaces above and below the gumline.
Once the tooth surfaces are cleaned, your dental professional will focus on the root surfaces beneath the gumline, working to smooth the rough surfaces of the tooth roots.
Root Planing for Gum Disease Treatment
Root planing is a dental procedure that is part of the deep cleaning process known as scaling and root planing. It involves smoothing the rough surfaces of the tooth roots below the gumline.
Root planing is typically performed as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for gum disease.
Here are some ways in which root planing benefits dental patients:
Removal of bacterial toxins: When plaque and tartar accumulate on the tooth surfaces and below the gumline, they harbor harmful bacteria.
Reduction of pocket depth: Gum disease can cause the formation of deep gum pockets between the gums and teeth. These pockets create a favorable environment for bacterial growth and can be challenging to clean effectively through regular brushing and flossing.
Promotes gum reattachment: As gum disease progresses, the gums can pull away from the tooth roots, leading to gum recession and exposure of the root surfaces. Root planing helps create a clean and smooth surface on the root, facilitating gum reattachment.
Gum Disease Related Oral Surgery Treatments
Oral surgeries are sometimes performed as part of the treatment for gum disease, also known as periodontal disease. The specific type of oral surgery recommended depends on the severity and extent of the gum disease. Here are some common oral surgeries used to combat gum disease:
Flap Surgery (Pocket Reduction Surgery): If the gum disease has progressed to a more advanced stage and deep pockets have formed between the gums and teeth, flap surgery may be necessary. This surgery helps to eliminate the spaces where bacteria can thrive and allows for easier maintenance of oral hygiene.
Soft Tissue Grafting: In cases where gum recession has occurred due to gum disease, soft tissue grafting may be performed. This procedure involves taking tissue from another area of the mouth, such as the roof of the mouth, and grafting it onto the affected area to restore gum tissue and cover exposed tooth roots.
Bone Grafting: When gum disease progresses, it can lead to the destruction of the bone supporting the teeth. Bone grafting may be performed to regenerate and restore the lost bone.
It's important to note that oral surgery is typically performed in conjunction with other non-surgical treatments.
Gum Disease Treatment Recommendations
“I had my first deep cleaning yesterday, and not knowing what to expect I was very unsettled at first but they helped calm me down. Thanks for helping me achieve a brighter smile”
Tricia M
“My appointment was excellent. My hygienist was amazing. I was worried about my deep cleaning coming in but they did a fantastic job. They made me as comfortable as possible through the whole process.”
Brad J
