Scaling and Root Planing in Houston, TX
Why Is It Important To Treat Gum Disease?
Gingivitis can be one of the first signs of infection and gum disease. The build-up of bacteria that is causing the inflammation of your gums is plaque. If the plaque is not brushed away properly it hardens into tartar and calculus, which we cannot remove on our own. The bacteria in the hardened plaque eats away at the connective tissue between your teeth and gums creating “pockets”. At this stage the effects of periodontal disease are still reversible. In some patients, their gum disease is diagnosed early enough to where they can avoid needing gum surgery. Instead their gum disease can be treated with a special deep dental cleaning called scaling and root planing.
If caught early and treated, periodontal disease and its effects can be drastically decreased with proper gum disease treatment and continued maintenance. If left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to tooth and bone loss.
Scaling and root planing is most effective when gum disease is diagnosed early.