Gum disease is an infection of the tissues of your teeth. It is one of the main causes of tooth loss in adults. Gum disease is mainly caused by the plaque and the sticky form of bacteria that gets stuck in your teeth. Some of the leading causes of developing gum diseases include:
- Use of tobacco
- Diabetes
- Crooked teeth
- Pregnancy
- Poor oral health
- Certain medications
- Genetics
Consult your dentist if you think you are suffering from gum diseases to avoid the repercussions. Gingivitis is the first phase of a gum disease, wherein your gums become red, swollen and bleed easily. The complex form of gum disease is known as periodontitis. Periodontitis can lead to the loss of tissue and bone that support the teeth; it may even become severe if not taken care
Dentists recommend the procedure of deep cleaning of teeth, also called teeth scaling and root planing, for removal of plaque deposited in the gum pocket. For the process, an instrument called an ultrasonic cleaner is used. The procedure of the scaling involves taking off the tartar for a smooth appearance and averting dental complications.
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), gum tissues remain healthy when the shallow groove is limited to 3 millimetres within teeth and gums. If the grove deepens beyond this limit, there is a risk of periodontal disease affecting gum pockets. In the periodontal disease, gum pockets amass more plaque than usual, which is impossible to remove during regular brushing of teeth.
Procedure of Teeth Scaling
Scaling of teeth is usually done for specific part of the mouth, as the mouth needs to be numb for carrying out the procedure. In the procedure, dentists make use of several ultrasonic scalers and hand tools for scaling. These advanced instruments are integrated with a dull vibrating tip for removing calculus besides a water jet that washes off plaque along with debris. In order to get rid of remaining deposits, ultrasonic cleaning is done in tandem with hand instruments. Thereafter, the dentist makes use of other sets of dental instruments to plane the root for smoothness.
Associated Risks
Periodontal disease is among most prominent infections associated with deposition of plaque around gum pockets. Plaque is a deposition of bacteria and pieces of foodstuffs, which eventually leads to gum inflammation. If the condition is ignored for long, stage of advanced periodontitis become inevitable when plaque reaches roots of the teeth. It could also result in the loosening of teeth.
Important Considerations for Scaling Teeth
After teeth scaling, gums could become tender for quite some time. Besides, there is another possibility of teeth appearing longer than usual due to subsidised inflammation. In this scenario, teeth become more sensitive to heat and cold, making it difficult to eat foodstuffs. For this reason, dentists suggest usage of fluoride gel for preventing cavities on revealed roots. In the scenario of excessive bleeding, discomfort and inflammation after the procedure of teeth scaling, visiting a dentist is advised. Scaling along with regular brushing, flossing and cleaning will keep your teeth strong and healthy.
Read more articles on Dental Procedures.
For more related articles, download OnlymyHealth app.
