Stop Gingivitis Early With Professional Care
Gingivitis is a progressive condition that, if left untreated, can lead to serious tooth and gum damage. While the term "gingivitis" may sound alarming, its treatment is simple and can be handled in your dentist's office.
Plaque and tartar on the teeth create an environment where bacteria thrive. These bacteria irritate the gums, causing them to become inflamed and bleed, often when brushing or eating. This is the early stage of gingivitis. The good news is that gingivitis can be easily treated with professional cleaning, including scaling and polishing by the hygienist. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress, requiring root planing.
Scaling and Root Planing Explained
The main difference between scaling and root planing is that scaling removes tartar from the tooth surfaces, while root planing smooths the roots and removes infected tooth structure.
Scaling and root planing are non-surgical procedures typically performed without anesthesia. However, for advanced cases, numbing the area might be necessary for comfort. The procedure is often broken into multiple appointments, treating one section of the mouth at a time to allow for proper healing and reduce appointment length.
