If you require periodontal scaling in Portland, you need a periodontist that has the experience and knowledge necessary to restore your gums back to health. Gum health acts as the foundation quality oral health is built upon. When gum tissue becomes swollen, inflamed, and infected by gum disease, the foundation begins to suffer, and serious issues like tooth loss become more likely to develop. Fortunately, the effects of gum disease can be treated and reversed with periodontal treatment.

Let’s take a look at what it means to need periodontal scaling in Portland.

When is Scaling and Root Planing Needed?

Plaque, a sticky biofilm comprised of harmful oral bacteria and food particles that linger in the mouth after eating, sticks to the surface of our teeth and uses the sugars we consume to produce a harmful substance that erodes tooth enamel. When plaque builds up on our teeth, it transforms into a harden substance known as tartar.

Tartar, a yellowish film that stains our teeth, causes gum tissue to become inflamed, swollen, and tender. Early stage gum disease, called gingivitis, has now started to impact the health of your teeth.

Gingivitis causes the tissue in the mouth to become inflamed. This inflammation results in gum tissue beginning to pull away from the base of our teeth and form spaces called pockets. Plaque then becomes trapped in these pockets and can no longer be removed by brushing. Once plaque become trapped below the gum line, it can contribute to the development of a more severe form of gum disease, called periodontitis, that can lead to permanent tooth loss.

When caught early before damage has occurred to the structures below the gum line, a professional cleaning should be able to remove tartar deposits that sit on the surface of our teeth. However, when pockets form and plaque becomes trapped below the gum line, scaling and root planing may be required.

What Happens During Treatment?

Treatment occurs in two parts.

During the first part, called scaling, Dr. Goldwyn removes all traces of tartar and plaque from above and below the gum line, cleaning all the way down to the bottom of each pocket. By removing all the traces of plaque and tartar from below the gum line, scaling helps to prevent any further damage for occurring due to gum tissue. Without the presence of harmful bacteria, gum tissue can also begin the healing process.

With your gum tissue cleaned, Dr. Goldwyn will then begin the process of root planing. This part involves the smoothing out of tooth roots, which works to help gum tissue reattach to the base of your teeth. When combined by daily brushing and flossing, root planing and scaling can reverse the damage caused by gum tissue and restore your gums back to health.

Depending on the current state of your oral health, you may need to schedule multiple appointments with Dr. Goldwyn to complete your scaling and root planing treatment.

What Happens After Treatment?

Following a deep oral cleaning, you may experience some discomfort for a few days following care. Your gum tissue may also feel swollen, tender, and bleed easily.

To prevent further infection, Dr. Goldwyn may prescribe a medication or oral rinse to use. Dr. Goldwyn may also place a medication directly into the pockets that were cleaned to help promote healing.

To keep your gum tissue healthy and to avoid the need for future periodontal scaling, practicing quality oral hygiene at home is a must. Only by brushing twice a day and flossing daily can you keep gum tissue healthy and gum disease away.

If your dentist has recommended periodontal scaling in Portland to improve your oral health, contact Dr. Goldwyn at Portland Periodontics today to schedule your root scaling and planing consultation.