Plaque is a sticky film that adheres to teeth and is full of bacteria. Over time, it hardens into a substance known as calculus. Both plaque and calculus irritate the tissues in your mouth. Your body’s response to these irritants includes inflammation of the gums, gum recession, bleeding, and eventual bone loss around the teeth, leading to periodontal (gum) disease.
The earliest stage of periodontal disease is called gingivitis, which can be reversed. It is marked by bleeding gums, especially when brushing and flossing. If not treated, gingivitis can advance to periodontitis, a more severe condition that leads to further gum damage, bone loss, and eventually, tooth loss. To address these issues, dental scaling and root planing in Burlington> can be an effective treatment option.
Scaling and root planing are the most common forms of treatment for periodontal disease. Scaling eliminates calculus (also known as tartar) and plaque from the surfaces of teeth, both above and below the gum line. Root planing improves the smoothness of the root’s surface and removes any remaining calculus.
When a significant amount of plaque and calculus needs to be removed, the dentist will numb the area to ensure your comfort during the procedure. A mix of sonic and hand instruments is utilized for this task. The sonic instruments handle the larger deposits of plaque and calculus, while hand instruments are used to eliminate any remaining tartar and to ensure that all surfaces of the crown and root are thoroughly cleaned and free from bacteria. After the treatment, you might experience some sensitivity and soreness for a few days, which can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
A follow-up visit with Lakeside Family Dental is usually scheduled for four weeks following treatment to check the improvement of gingival status and at regular intervals (3-month and 6-month intervals are usual) thereafter to monitor the disease. The goals are to eliminate the active inflammation caused by bacteria and reduce the periodontal pockets around the teeth so they cannot trap plaque or calculus, thus maintaining the present bone height around the teeth. Our dentist will ensure that these goals are met and customize treatment as needed.
If you are looking for a dentist in Burlington to perform scaling and root planing, please call Lakeside Family Dental at (905) 637-0801 to make an appointment.
Lakeside Family Dental offers extended hours, weekend appointments, same-day emergency care, and flexible payment plans. With on-site specialists and advanced technology, we make exceptional dental care convenient and accessible for your family.
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