Scaling and Root Planing for Gum Disease

The word periodontitis literally means “inflammation around the tooth.” Periodontitis and all periodontal diseases are bacterial infections that destroy the attachment fibers and supporting bone that hold the teeth in the mouth. To take steps toward preventing and treating periodontal disease, Dr. Kathleen Falsey, DDS of Bayberry Dental Care may recommend a scaling and root planing procedure to eliminate bacteria under the gum line.

Root planing and scaling is one of the most effective ways to treat gum disease before it becomes severe. When plaque and tartar sit on the teeth they provide an environment that allows bacteria to thrive and multiply. These bacteria can lead to bad breath and cause the gums to bleed and become inflamed. Dental scaling occurs with manual hand instruments, ultrasonic instruments or both. Dr. Kathleen Falsey, DDS, will begin the procedure with a thorough examination of your mouth. Next, a combination of scaling devices will be used to eliminate the plaque bacteria. The objective is to clean between the gums and the teeth down to the roots.

If you have signs and symptoms of periodontal disease, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.bayberrydentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Kathleen Falsey, DDS in our Tinley Park, IL office, call Bayberry Dental Care at 708-802-8300.

Scaling and Root Planing

Periodontitis is the second stage of gum disease and though it’s treatable, Dr. Kathleen Falsey, DDS of Bayberry Dental Care hopes your oral hygiene habits are never this poor. Periodontitis is caused by lack of oral care, as well as untreated gingivitis. Gingivitis is reversible, so if you notice a bit of blood in the sink, floss at least twice a day for one week straight (and continue to do so) to reduce it. If you don’t, you may need a deep cleaning of the gums, called scaling and root planing.

Periodontal disease comes from plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that builds up on teeth from the foods that we consume. When plaque is not removed by proper brushing and flossing, it can form pockets in the gums. The plaque will then get trapped in these pockets and will need to be removed by scaling and root planing. Scaling removes plaque and tartar from below the gum line, while root planing smoothes the tooth root and helps the gums reattach to the tooth. After this deep cleaning, you may experience gum sensitivity, but you will have a healthier smile overall.

If you have questions or concerns regarding scaling and root planing, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at our practice, visit www.bayberrydentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Kathleen Falsey, DDS in our Tinley Park, IL office, call Bayberry Dental Care at 708-802-8300.

Periodontitis

Periodontal disease comes in four stages. We’ve previously mentioned how gingivitis develops and told you how this condition can be prevented, but now it’s time to talk about periodontitis. If gingivitis is left untreated, it will advance to this second stage of periodontal disease. Periodontitis is not only an inflammation of the gums; it causes destruction to the support structures of the teeth. Dr. Kathleen Falsey, DDS of Bayberry Dental Care hopes the status of your oral health never reaches this point, but she’s here to treat it if it does.  

In all cases, periodontitis is caused by plaque. When the teeth are not properly cleaned by thorough brushing and flossing, a hard deposit called tartar will form on the tooth. As these bacteria progress deeper into the gums, pockets will form and cause the bacteria to multiply. This can eventually lead to tooth loss if not treated right away. There are a number of factors that increase your risk of periodontitis, such as smoking, stress, and other oral –systemic diseases such as diabetes. If you notice any signs or symptoms of periodontal disease, please contact us immediately to correct the problem.

If you have questions or concerns about periodontal disease, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at our practice, visit www.bayberrydentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Kathleen Falsey, DDS in our Tinley Park, IL office, call Bayberry Dental Care at 708-802-8300.

Gingivitis

When you visit Bayberry Dental Care for a routine cleaning, one of the first things Dr. Kathleen Falsey, DDS looks for is gingivitis. If your gums are bright red or bleed easily when she is brushing and flossing your teeth, she may suggest some oral hygiene reinforcement.  Gingivitis – the earliest stage of gum disease – is reversible, but prevention is more important. If plaque is not removed by daily brushing and flossing, your gums will suffer the consequences.

The primary cause of gingivitis is plaque buildup due to a poor oral hygiene routine. When plaque is not adequately removed, it causes an accumulation of tartar which only Dr. Kathleen Falsey, DDS and her team of hygienists is able to eliminate.  Gingivitis prevention begins at home by brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing at least once a day, and regularly rinsing your mouth with an ADA approved antiseptic mouthwash.

If you have questions or concerns about periodontal disease, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at our practice, visit www.bayberrydentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Kathleen Falsey, DDS in our Tinley Park, IL office, call Bayberry Dental Care at 708-802-8300.