If you want to preserve your smile, you need to contact a periodontist immediately. Periodontal treatment for gum diseases is indicated if you are experiencing any of the following:
- Gum recession
- Bad breath
- Bleeding gums
- Loose teeth
- Bone loss
- Hypersensitivity
The non-surgical method used for treating gum disease is known as scaling and root debridement. In some instances, you may need to schedule further treatments to resolve a gum condition. The idea behind periodontal treatments is to stop the progression of gum disease and maintain the health of the natural teeth as long as possible. Treatment is also facilitated to prevent further bone loss.
How Scaling and Root Debridement Help
Both scaling and root debridement can save your teeth as scaling removes plaque and tartar from the teeth. When the calculus reaches the root, it is impossible to clean. In turn, pathogens develop, which can harm the teeth. To combat the problem, ultrasonic scalers are used to break down the calculus.
Hand-held instruments such as scalers and curettes are employed for fine scaling. The process of root debridement removes any calculus on the root. When this type of deep cleaning is performed, it leaves the surface less vulnerable to bacteria.
Localised Gum Disease
If the gum disease is localised, a practice such as Central Periodontics will concentrate on one area of the mouth. Generalised gum disease that has spread throughout the mouth necessitates that a periodontist treat a quadrant or one-half the mouth at a time. Therefore, you may have to schedule two to four appointments to complete a course of scaling and root debridement.
What You Can Expect
Outcomes for scaling and root debridement vary from one person to the next. Treatments can either slow down or stabilise the condition. In some instances, the gum disease will be reversed and cured. Even if this treatment approach is followed, some teeth may still be lost. However, by opting for this type of deep cleaning, you will have a much better chance of keeping your teeth and reducing symptoms such as inflammation or bad breath.
Reducing the Discomfort
If you do not have a treatment area anaesthetised, scaling and root debridement can prove to be uncomfortable. For example, for a period of two or three days, you may experience increased sensitivity to cold or hot temperatures or some tenderness. If so, you may need to rinse your mouth with salt water. You may also want to take a painkiller about an hour before treatment or again about five hours later.
Possible Side Effects
You also have to consider any possible side effects. As each person is different, the complications may vary as well. For example, some of the symptoms may include the following:
- Post-surgical infection
- Headache
- Tooth and gum pain
- Soft tissue numbness
- TMJ joint pain
- Bleeding
After the Treatment Process: How to Take Care of Your Teeth
After the treatment, you will need to use soft toothbrushes to keep your teeth clean at home and make sure that you have your teeth regularly cleaned at the dentist’s office. Root debridement may be scheduled every three months to keep the periodontal disease under control as well.