Rockville Offers Highly Effective Gum Disease Prevention & Therapy in Rockville
Did you know that untreated gum disease could jeopardize your good health? Gum disease is a progressive infection of the tissues that surround and support your natural teeth, and it is the #1 cause of tooth loss in adults. Because the disease can be painless in the early stages, you may not even realize you have it. Gum disease is caused by the accumulation of plaque and bacteria on our teeth and at your gum line. Research concerned with the connection between systemic disease and gum disease is ongoing, but many recent studies indicate that untreated gum disease is associated with other, more severe health conditions, including: diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Don't let gum disease wreak havoc on your good health. Schedule the gum disease prevention or therapy appointment you need to stay healthy with Dr. Sanker in Rockville, MD today.
Gum Disease Advances in Two Stages
- Gingivitis: In the early stage, gum disease is known as gingivitis. With gingivitis, your gums may turn red, purple, swollen and bleed after brushing or flossing. At this stage, gum disease is still easily reversible with a professional dental cleaning from Sanker, followed by increased daily brushing and flossing.
- Periodontitis: In the later stage, known as periodontitis, the disease can lead to the degeneration of the healthy tissue and bone that support your teeth. This may cause your teeth to loosen and shift in your mouth. This stage usually progresses slowly, but there can be periods of rapid progression. Aggressive periodontitis often occurs in patients who are otherwise healthy.
Scaling & Root Planing
Your gum disease treatment will depend upon how far your condition has progressed. Good dental care at home is the first step toward getting the disease under control. However, Dr. Sanker can often reverse your gum disease symptoms with a series of gentle but effective scaling and root planing appointments. With these techniques, you’ll be able to enjoy a healthier and safer gum line in the long run by making it more difficult for bacteria, plaque, and tartar to settle around your smile.
Do I Need Scaling & Root Planing?
Otherwise known as a “deep cleaning,” scaling and root planing is a process of thoroughly removing plaque and tartar from your teeth and gums before smoothening out the roots for improved oral health. This gum disease treatment typically consists of two appointments and is one of the best ways to address early indications of periodontal problems. If our team notices swelling, bleeding, or inflammation ahead of time, we can help prevent the disease from worsening or developing permanent damage to your grin.
The Process of Scaling & Root Planing
Scaling is the process of removing plaque and tartar from the top side surface of your teeth to underneath the gum line. If you have developed gum pocketing, deep pockets around your smile will have formed, allowing tartar deposits to form underneath your gum line. After arriving for your appointment, our team will first carefully and thoroughly scrape off any plaque and tartar from your teeth and gums by using special dental tools.
After performing the scaling portion, we can move on to root planing. This technique involves smoothing your root surfaces and removing any infected tissue structure so that bacteria are discouraged from repopulating the pockets. Not only will your gums be able to heal more effectively and reattach to your teeth easily, but this method can also significantly reduce your chances of gum disease popping up again down the road.
Aftercare Tips for Scaling & Root Planing
Soreness is perhaps the biggest and most common thing to experience after undergoing scaling and root planing, but it can be quite simple to manage. This should typically be temporary and fade away on its own, and you can even make your aftercare process smoother by doing the following:
- Brush twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Floss carefully once a day or after meals
- Rinse your mouth with saltwater, especially after eating
- Refrain from eating hot, spicy, or acidic foods
- Avoid doing excessive physical activity following your treatment
- Eat softer foods for at least 48 hours after your appointment