When performed together, scaling and root planing are effective treatments for gum disease and excess plaque.
Gum disease is an oral health condition caused by plaque, which is a type of bacteria that forms on the teeth and beneath the gumline. Plaque constantly forms on the teeth, but regular brushing and flossing can keep it under control and prevent it from impacting your oral health. However, if you don’t clean your teeth well, the gums can separate from the teeth, forming pockets that trap plaque. It is difficult to properly clean out these pockets, leading to excess bacteria that causes gum disease.
One treatment option for gum disease is scaling and root planing. This treatment begins with scaling, which involves removing all the plaque and tartar from the teeth and gumline. A dentist can use various tools to perform the scaling process to make sure they remove all the plaque from the pocket between the teeth and gums. Root planing is the second step in the process, which involves smoothing out the roots of the teeth to encourage the gums to reattach to the teeth. When performed together, scaling and root planing are effective treatments for gum disease and excess plaque.
At the office of Paul D. Nifong, Jr., DDS, we offer scaling and root planing to our patients. Our office is conveniently located for those in and around Clemmons, North Carolina. We provide competitive pricing on all the dental procedures we offer, and we are contracted with a number of insurance plans as well. When performing this and any other treatment, we provide compassionate, gentle care to help you feel comfortable during your visit.