Gingivitis is a degenerative disease of the gums that is actually one of the most prevalent diseases on the planet. Left untreated, gingivitis will lead to periodontal disease, a disease of the bone and the tissues that support the teeth. The reality is that, if caught early, the treatment of gingivitis is simple and performed right in your dentist’s office.
Plaque and tarter that accumulate on the teeth provide an environment which 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 a 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 smoothening the root surfaces and removing infected tooth structure.
As a non-surgical procedure, scaling and root planing is usually performed without any anesthesia in the dentist’s office. While the procedure is usually painless, advanced stages of gingivitis may make it necessary to numb the area for complete comfort. Deep scaling and root planing treatment is usually broken down into one or two sections of the mouth per appointment. This allows for adequate healing time, and reduces the overall time for each appointment.