Nobody plans on getting gum disease, but it happens -- to most of the population, in fact! Like cavities, gum disease is caused by a buildup of plaque bacteria, resulting in calculus, or tartar. Over time, plaque and its cohorts will creep beneath the gum line, forming “pockets” between the teeth and gums. The larger these pockets grow, the worse gum disease gets!

Calculus forming below the gum line is of great concern. Think about it: If you dropped change into the pockets of your jeans every day and couldn’t remove it, soon it would weigh you down so much that you wouldn’t be able to walk! As calculus fills the pockets of your gums, it starts to destroy the bone, greatly impairing your teeth as well.

Empty Your Pockets

Although you can eventually unload the pockets of your pants yourself, only a dentist or hygienist can remove the calculus that has accumulated in the pockets of your gums. A non-surgical approach known as scaling is the first in a series of periodontal procedures used to fight gum disease. During tooth scaling, an instrument called a scaler is used to remove plaque and calculus from beneath the gums. While it’s a common practice to manually scrape away deposits, many offices are now equipped with ultrasonic cleaners, which use ultrasound vibrations to break up calculus.

Once removed, the area that has been scraped leaves a jagged appearance. Planing is the procedure used to smooth the tooth’s root. Why is this necessary? Root planing helps gums heal: It’s easier for gums to reattach themselves to a smoother root than one still suffering from the results of gum disease. The smooth surface also helps keep plaque from attacking the tooth’s root, making it easier to maintain the gums following treatment.

Don’t Plan to Call In Sick

Although dental scaling isn’t painful, anesthesia is usually available for those who experience sensitivity. Most patients can return to their regular activities following the scaling procedure. If you’re still worried about pain, your dentist may prescribe something for post-treatment discomfort. As with any dental procedure, patients should discuss their medical history and medications with their dentist to avoid complications.

In some cases, scaling is performed as part of an ongoing periodontal treatment program in order to achieve results. If gum disease continues to progress, other forms of gum disease treatment may be required.

Keeping It Clean

Once scaling is complete, preventative care is necessary to keep gums healthy. Although gum disease can never be cured, proper oral hygiene can curb the problems that started it in the first place. Brushing and flossing daily will help fight the plaque that is constantly forming around teeth. Regular dental visits are also required to remove the calculus you’ve missed.

If you have gum disease, see a dentist as soon as possible. A simple procedure like scaling can reduce the disease’s effects and restore gums to a healthy state. Without proper treatment, gum disease can progress -- literally to the point of no return! Remember: Once gum tissue is lost, it doesn’t grow back. The earlier you treat gum disease, the better chance you have of recovery.

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