Gum Disease

Gum Disease, Scaling, and Root Planing Services in Jackson County

Gum Disease

Periodontal (gum) disease is insidious. It is an infection of the gums that starts as plaque, an opaque film on the teeth that hardens to form tartar. As tartar accumulates, it harbors bacteria that attack the soft tissue around the gums. This is the early stage of gum disease known as Gingivitis. Left untreated, Gingivitis becomes Periodontitis, which ultimately destroys the tissue surrounding your teeth and the bone that holds them in place. Except for bad breath and gums that bleed, there are very few early warning signals. The disease advances silently, often without pain, and before you know it, you are losing your teeth, and you don’t know why.

Tooth loss is only the most obvious indicator of gum disease. Scientific research has discovered a link between gum disease and stroke, heart disease, and diabetes—even an increased risk for pregnant women. When your gums become diseased, your entire immune system is weakened.

Scaling & Root Planing

Gingivitis is a generative disease that, if left untreated, causes significant tooth and gum deterioration. Just the word gingivitis can strike panic in a patient’s mind. The reality is that the treatment is simple and performed right in your dentist’s office.

Plaque and tarter that sit on the teeth provide an environment that allows bacteria to thrive and multiply. The bacteria cause the gums to become inflamed and bleed. The condition becomes more noticeable when you brush your teeth or sometimes when you eat. These are signs of the early stage of gingivitis. Gingivitis is easily treated by having the hygienist scale and polish the teeth. If gingivitis is left untreated, the condition will progress, and the roots will need planing. The difference between scaling and root planing is simple. Scaling is the removal of the dental tartar from the tooth surface. Root planing is the process of smoothing the root surfaces and removing the infected tooth structure.

Scaling and root planing are non-surgical procedures performed in the dentist’s office without anesthesia. While the procedure is usually painless, advanced stages of gingivitis may require numbing the area for complete comfort. Deep scaling and root planing are usually divided into one section of the mouth per appointment. This allows for adequate healing time and reduces the time for each appointment.

Periodontal Splinting

Loose teeth are uncomfortable, especially when you try to eat food or chew gum. The feeling of the tooth pulling away from the gum is enough to send chills down your spine. It seems like an eternity, waiting for either the tooth to become loose enough to be extracted or strong enough to be a problem no longer.

Teeth become loose because of lost gum tissue, injury, orthodontic treatment, or pressure caused by tooth misalignment. A new technique called periodontal splinting attaches weak teeth, turning them into a single unit that is stable and stronger than the single teeth by themselves. The procedure is most commonly performed on the front teeth. The procedure is as simple as using composite material to attach, or splint, the loose teeth to the adjoining stable teeth. Tooth splinting is a common procedure that has gained popularity due to its effectiveness.

Schedule with us today for non-surgical procedures for gum disease by calling us at (740) 772-2225.