What Is Root Planing and Why Do I Need It?

You visit your dentist at least twice a year and you never forget to brush and floss your teeth. Turns out, that might not be enough to stop bacteria from getting between your gums.

Bacteria can go below the gumline and harden into tartar. Heavy tartar build-up is difficult to remove. Even with brushing, flossing, and dental cleaning. It can stay on your teeth and cause your gums to become infected. Which can lead to gum disease (also known as periodontitis.)

Root planing is a non-surgical procedure that removes tartar from the gumline. And prevents future build-up. At Dallas Dental Concierge, we offer root planing and other periodontal treatments to help restore gum health.

Signs of periodontal disease

Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss. It affects about 20-50% of the population. The early stage of periodontal disease is gingivitis. And many people experience symptoms, whether they realize it or not. It's important to recognize the early symptoms, so you can seek dental care ASAP.

The most common early signs of periodontal disease include:

• Gums that feel sore or bleed after normal brushing and flossing
• Gums that are sensitive to hot and cold liquids
• Gum tissue that is bright red or purple, or appears mottled
• Bad breath that is constant and hard to get rid of
• Teeth that appear too long. (Due to gums shrinking down and away from the tooth surface.)

As periodontal disease progresses, pockets form between the gums and the teeth. This allows more bacteria to take hold. Scaling and root planing are both recommended to treat the pockets of infection. These two non-surgical procedures attempt to stop gum disease in its tracks.

How scaling and root planing work

Scaling and root planing (SRP) remove tartar from below the gumline. They also smooth the surface of the tooth to make it harder for bacteria to find a home. The process can take several appointments to complete.

Dr. Melisa Christian performs scaling and root planing treatments here at Dallas Dental Concierge. First, she scales away plaque, bacterial toxins, and tartar deposits from your teeth. Then, she removes small rough areas and irregularities to create a smooth surface.

Once treatment is complete, the gums will start to heal and reattach. You may need more appointments to keep your periodontal disease from returning or worsening.

Are you experiencing symptoms of periodontitis? That last thing you want to do is wait. Call Dallas Dental Concierge today or request an appointment online.