Looking for more information on periodontal treatment? Removing the plaque buildup on your teeth ensures good oral health. Plaque is a sticky film that covers the teeth. This stickiness encourages the buildup of bacteria as well as acid on the teeth, both of which cause harm to the teeth. Plaque that is not removed in a timely manner will eventually lead to tooth decay. A tooth decay diagnosis means that your teeth are in jeopardy. You should immediately seek treatment from a dental professional so that you do not risk losing them.
Wanting to understand the types of periodontal treatment and the work involved with each type? There are four different stages of gum disease and all stages require dental treatment. The stage of the disease will determine the type of treatment required to remove the plaque buildup that is causing harm. Addressing gum disease in its beginning stages will often only require a dental process known as scaling and root planing. Gum disease that is in its advanced stages may require dental patients to undergo surgery to repair all the damage caused by the disease.
According to the American Dental Association, scaling and root planning is beneficial to patients with chronic periodontitis — a gum disease that has advanced past gingivitis.
Scaling and root planing is a process that requires a dental professional to deep clean below the gum line to remove existing plaque from the teeth. The first part of the procedure is scaling, which includes removing all the plaque buildup above and below the gum line. This plaque removal allows the gums and teeth to immediately start the healing process, once again restoring health to the gums and teeth. The second part of the process involves root planing, which smooths out the affected tooth roots. This is to help the gums reattach themselves to the teeth.
After a patient has undergone the scaling and root planing process, they will need to closely follow a dental professional's aftercare instructions so they can experience a full and successful recovery. Experiencing slight pain for a day or two is common, as well as a little swelling and tenderness around the gum line. Some patients will receive an antibiotic rinse to eliminate the bacteria.
Plaque in the teeth requires periodontal treatment. The longer plaque stays on your teeth, the more damage it creates to both your gums and your teeth, so you should have it removed as soon as possible. If the plaque on your teeth is minimal, then it is likely that you will only need to undergo the scaling and root planing procedure. Scaling and root planing generally does not take a lot of time to perform and should not cause patients any sort of discomfort or pain. Ready to schedule an appointment to remove your dental plaque?
Request an appointment here: https://www.oaktreedentalashburn.com or call Oak Tree Dental at (703) 763-5239 for an appointment in our McLean office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Zirconia is quickly becoming a more common choice of material for dental restorations. Continue reading to learn more about zirconia crowns as they compare to other restoration materials. Zirconia has been used in medicine for more than half a century. Many people might be left wondering what makes zirconia crowns so unique. This article discusses…
White dental fillings are a lot more popular than traditional silver amalgam fillings nowadays. Also known as composite fillings, the materials used are made from mixing plastic and glass resins. They can be color-matched with the patient’s teeth, so any repairs look natural in their mouth.That leads to significantly improved aesthetics over conventional amalgam fillings,…
If your child needs braces, your orthodontist may recommend Invisalign® for teens instead. In the late 1990s, Invisalign was a groundbreaking orthodontic treatment that utilized clear aligners to straighten teeth rather than the traditional wires and brackets. Then, it was only available to adults. Today, however, the system has come a long way, and many…
Cosmetic dental services can help create positive changes to your teeth, improving the aesthetics of your smile. However, cosmetic dental services can also address certain issues that negatively impact your teeth and sometimes improve their function.Many patients have one or more issues that negatively impact their teeth. Our dentist can help address these. Treatments that…
This article discusses how zirconia is used to make dental crowns and the benefits of…
Fixing dental issues with tooth-colored dental fillings is a non-invasive procedure that can be completed…
If your child needs braces, your orthodontist may recommend Invisalign® for teens instead.
Many patients have one or more issues that negatively impact their teeth. Our dentist can…
Patients considering dental crowns may have concerns regarding the recovery period following the procedure.
Perhaps the most well-known tip a general dentist has to offer is to brush at…