Periodontitis is the most severe form of gum disease. Severe inflammation and gum recession often leads to tooth loss for patients with this problem. The latest recommendation from the American Dental Association suggests root planing and scaling as the first line of treatment.
Sacramento, CA, September 24, 2015 (Newswire.com) - When gum disease progresses to its severest stage, a dental patient has periodontitis. At this level of disease, oral bacteria have significantly invaded the gums. As a result, the gums start to recede and large gaps or pockets form around the teeth, often leaving the roots exposed. Bacteria and inflammation start to affect the roots, possibly loosening them, and lost teeth are the final result. The dentists with the Sacramento Dentistry Group have many treatment options for periodontitis, all in line with the American Dental Association’s (ADA) report released this summer. The ADA points to root scaling and root planing as the ideal first treatment for this disease.
What is Root Scaling?
Root scaling gets all the plaque and tartar out from under the gums. These bacterial substances lead to periodontitis, since they are a primary cause of gum inflammation. Special tools clear any gum pockets of plaque and tartar, making it possible for gums to heal. A local anesthetic prevents discomfort during the procedure. For patients especially fearful of dentistry, however, the Sacramento Dentistry Group offers oral conscious sedation to eliminate anxiety and painful sensations.
What is Root Planing?
Bacterial damage roughens up the roots, making it difficult for gums to reattach. Root planing smooths out the roots, encouraging gum reattachment. This protects the roots from any further damage, saving teeth by reducing the size of gum pockets. So root scaling and planing are properly used as the first treatment for periodontitis.
What About Other Treatments?
The ADA did suggest that other treatments are also useful in conjunction with root planing and scaling. Each dentist must decide the proper course of action for every individual patient. For example, antibiotic treatments, using delivery systems such as PerioProtect, may be beneficial for some people. Nevertheless, scaling and planing are the first step to improving oral health after developing severe gum disease. People in need of assistance with periodontitis may contact the dentists and hygienists of the Sacramento Dentistry Group to provide these vital forms of treatment. Call them at 916-538-6900 or write them at sacramentodentistry.com. Their office is located at 1105 E Street in downtown Sacramento.
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