Gum Treatment (Root Planing)

Gum treatment is professionally known as root planing. Periodontal (gum) problem is a common complaint for many patients, mainly due to poor or insufficient oral hygiene. Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gums usually caused by bacteria. In more severe periodontal cases, major damage is done to the soft tissues and bone, causing the support of the tooth to weaken and eventually, tooth loss. 

Having a set of healthy teeth (and gums) allows one to eat and chew properly and gain more self confidence with a healthy smile. Bad oral and gum conditions are often a reflection of low self maintenance and even a sign of poor general health condition.

Understanding Gum Problem (Periodontitis)

In the initial stage of gum problems, food trapped becomes one of the common problems for patients with poor oral hygiene. As the gum gets affected by bacteria, they become inflamed and create pockets between the gums and teeth. This vicious cycle continues as the pockets get bigger, resulting in more food trapped. When the gums are infected, the support to the teeth is weakened, and eventually causing loss of teeth. 

As we know, our mouths are full of bacteria. Along with these bacteria are mucus and other particles which are constantly forming sticky and colourless plaque on the teeth and along our gum line. Proper dental hygiene such as brushing and flossing will help to get rid of plaque. The roots of our teeth are surrounded by bones, providing a stable and secure foundation. Healthy gum tissues are attached to each tooth too. There should be a healthy space of 1 to 3 millimeters between the root of the tooth and gum. If plaque is formed near the teeth and gums, the gum will react and turn red, be inflamed and swollen. Gingivitis, gum bleeding are some of the common signs.

Signs of Gum Problem (Periodontitis)

Patients often notice several common signs to gum problems.

- Tender and bleeding gums

- Persistent bad breath

- Receding gums or longer appearing teeth

- Pain and discharging pus 

- Shaky teeth

Addressing and Treatment to the Problem

Standard scaling and root planing is the first step in pocket reduction. In Smile Design Dental Practice, we offer root planing treatment procedure. Usually root planing is done by teeth quadrants and gum under local anaesthesia. Plaque, bacteria, calculus (tartar) are removed during the root planing procedure. Our dentist then scales and scrapes off the tartar from above and underneath the gum line. Subsequently, root planing is to get rid of the rough and tough spots on the tooth root where germs commonly gather. The root surface and tooth crowns are cleaned and smoothed, to prevent the formation of calculus. Once bacteria is removed, periodontal pockets will begin to reduce in size and the gum starts to heal.

Preventive Home Care

We recommend brushing and flossing of teeth twice daily to help prevent the build-up of plaque, and the use of toothpaste with fluoride. Periodic visit to the dentist for routine check up and professional cleaning every six months allows the dentist to clean up any signs of plaque and tartar before the oral condition worsens. We will also teach you the proper brushing method.

Patients with smoking habits are encouraged to quit smoking. Researches have shown significant risk factors directly associated with the development of gum disease. Smoking causes staining of the teeth. Most importantly, smoking reduces the success rate of the root planing treatment.   

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