Besides brushing and flossing your teeth, dental professionals recommend getting your teeth cleaned every six months to maintain optimum oral health. If you have gum disease, your periodontist may recommend a deep cleaning procedure to restore gum health. But do gums grow back after scaling and root planing? Here’s what you need to know before undergoing this treatment.
Why Should You Consider Deep Cleaning?
Poor oral hygiene and excessive plaque accumulation are the most common causes of gum disease. When plaque hardens on the tooth surfaces, it converts into tartar or calculus, which cannot be removed with routine brushing. It harbors harmful bacteria that can lead to gingivitis and gum disease.
If left untreated, this condition can lead to serious consequences, including bone loss and tooth loss. That’s why it is always best to address gum disease as early as possible. Common signs of periodontal disease that may indicate the need for deep cleaning include:
- Sore, swollen, or sensitive gums
- Increased tooth sensitivity
- Gum bleeding, especially when brushing teeth
- Tooth pain
- Receding gums
- Persistent bad breath
- Foul taste in the mouth
- Deep gum pockets around teeth
- Loose or mobile teeth
What Happens During Scaling and Root Planing?
If you have early signs of gum disease, your periodontist may suggest scaling and root planing to prevent further complications. Also known as deep cleaning, this procedure involves the removal of plaque and tartar buildup on the tooth surfaces using special tools.
Scaling cleans the tooth surfaces near the gum line, while root planing smoothens the surfaces of your tooth roots. These steps eliminate harmful bacteria from your oral cavity and promote gum reattachment to the tooth roots. Early treatment with this procedure can help avoid the severe consequences of gum disease.
Can Gums Grow Back After Scaling And Root Planing?
The simple answer is no. Unfortunately, once your gum tissues have receded, they cannot grow back even after scaling and root planing. However, the reason periodontists suggest this treatment is that it can limit the progression of gum disease and prevent further recession.
If you have early-stage gum disease, it is possible that your gums may recover and reattach to the tooth roots after the procedure. This way, some of the signs of gum disease can be reversed.
Patients who experience advanced symptoms of gum disease, such as severe gum recession, may benefit from gum grafting. It is a minor surgical procedure in which tissue is taken from another part of your mouth and used to cover the exposed tooth roots.
To Sum Up
Your gums may not grow back after scaling and root planing, but this treatment can help prevent serious complications of gum disease.
If you are worried about your gum health, visit our experienced periodontists at Perio Health Professionals. We will identify the underlying issue and suggest effective solutions to maintain your gum health. Dial (346) 509-9060 to schedule an appointment.
