Gum disease is one of the most widespread oral health issues, affecting millions. It starts as red, swollen gums; without treatment, it may become a more serious condition that can lead to tooth loss.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that 42% of adults over 30 have significant gum disease, with 8% severely affected.
Scaling and root planing deep clean the gums and teeth. It’s a treatment we often perform at Kathryn Jodry, DDS, but can it really halt the progression of gum disease? Let’s explore how this treatment works and its essential role in oral health.
Gum or periodontal disease develops when sticky plaque builds up on your teeth and gums. Plaque consists of around 700 different microorganisms, primarily bacteria. If you don’t remove it, plaque hardens into tartar, triggering inflammation and infection in the gum tissue.
Gum disease has two main stages:
Gingivitis is the earliest stage, where gums become red, swollen, and bleed easily. It’s fully reversible with good oral hygiene and professional cleanings.
Periodontitis is a more advanced stage where the gums separate from the teeth, allowing pockets to form that trap bacteria. Periodontitis can eventually lead to tooth loss and affect the jawbone without treatment.
Scaling and root planing provide a nonsurgical approach to managing gum disease. This treatment goes beyond regular dental cleaning, removing plaque and tartar below the gumline, where bacteria like to breed.
During scaling, our hygienist uses special tools to remove plaque and tartar. With root planing, they smooth the root surfaces of your teeth to encourage the gums to reattach and prevent bacteria from building up again.
We’ve found that scaling and root planing are among the most effective ways to slow or even halt the progression of gum disease. Here’s how the treatment helps:
Eliminating plaque and tartar reduces harmful bacteria that cause gum inflammation and infection.
Smoothing the tooth roots helps the gums heal and reduces the depth of gum pockets where bacteria thrive.
Untreated periodontitis can lead to eventual bone and tooth loss. Deep cleaning helps protect the gums and bones from further deterioration.
Many patients notice less gum sensitivity, redness, and bleeding after treatment, making it easier to maintain good oral hygiene.
Scaling and root planing may take one or several visits, depending on your condition’s severity. We may numb your gums to ensure comfort during the procedure, especially if you have a tartar buildup or sensitive teeth.
After treatment, it’s normal to experience some tenderness, mild swelling, and sensitivity for a few days. To promote healing and prevent reinfection:
We recommend scaling and root planing for people with moderate to severe gum disease and those with deep gum pockets that they cannot clean with regular brushing and flossing.
We may suggest this treatment if you have persistent bad breath caused by bacteria buildup or your gums bleed during brushing or flossing. It’s also a first step if you experience gum recession (where the gums separate from the teeth) or have loose teeth due to bone loss.
While scaling and root planing can stop gum disease from worsening, it’s important to maintain healthy gums in the long run. Brush and floss daily to remove plaque before it turns into tartar, and visit us regularly — professional cleanings and check-ups help catch problems early.
A balanced diet helps prevent gum disease, too, because nutritious foods support gum health and reduce inflammation. Avoid sugary foods because these are the ones bacteria like the most, and quit smoking — tobacco use increases gum disease risk and slows down healing.
The key to controlling gum disease is proper oral hygiene and early intervention. If you have gum disease, we’ll assess your problem and advise whether scaling and root planing suit you.
Call or use the online inquiry form to contact Kathryn Jodry, DDS, for advice on gum disease or to request a scaling and root planing appointment.
