If we've recommended a scaling and root planing — often called a "deep cleaning" — it's because we've caught the first signs of gum disease. The goal is to treat it now, while treatment is still simple.
What gum disease actually is
Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is an infection of the gums and bone that hold your teeth in place. Left alone, it can become severe and eventually lead to tooth loss. One of the tricky things about it is that it's often painless — you may not know anything's wrong until your gums and the supporting bone are already damaged.
That's why we screen for it early and treat it early.
The three stages
It helps to know how gum disease progresses, because what's possible depends on where we catch it.
1 · Healthy gums. Healthy gum tissue and bone hold the teeth firmly in place. The gums look pink, fit snugly around the teeth, and don't bleed when you brush or floss. This is the goal.
2 · Gingivitis. The initial stage of periodontal disease. Affected areas become red, may appear swollen, and may bleed easily. Here's the good news: gingivitis is easily treated with regular brushing, flossing, and visits to us. If we catch it here, we can almost always reverse it.
3 · Periodontitis. At this stage, damage to the gums, bone, and other tooth-supporting structures becomes irreversible, and tooth loss is on the table. More advanced cases may require more complex treatment to prevent losing teeth, and in the worst situations, teeth become loose and need to be removed.
The treatment: scaling and root planing
This is the first non-surgical step, and it's the most common treatment we recommend for early-stage periodontal disease. (You can also see the scaling & root planing service page for a quick overview.)
Scaling removes plaque and tartar from beneath the gumline — places a regular cleaning can't reach. We use a scaler or ultrasonic cleaner to clear plaque and tartar from the bottom of each periodontal pocket.
Root planing smooths the tooth's root surfaces — the word "planing" is basically that, making the surface smooth. This helps the gum tissue heal and lets the periodontal pockets shrink back down. It also makes it harder for plaque to re-accumulate along the root.
Warning signs to watch for
Between visits, give us a call if you notice any of these:
- Gums that bleed easily
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
- Pus between the teeth and gums when the gums are pressed
- Persistent bad breath or a bad taste
- Permanent teeth that are loose, separating, or changing position
- Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
Periodontal disease is very treatable when we catch it early — and that's our whole job at your checkups. If you're noticing any of the signs above, don't wait for your next visit. Call us.