Gum Treatment (Root Planing)

Gum treatment is professionally known as root planing. Periodontal (gum) problems are a common complaint among many patients, primarily due to poor or insufficient oral hygiene. Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gums, usually caused by bacteria. In more severe periodontal cases, significant damage is done to the soft tissues and bone, causing the tooth's support to weaken and eventually leading to 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 inadequate self-maintenance and can even be a sign of poor overall health.

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 becomes affected by bacteria, it becomes inflamed, creating pockets between the gums and teeth. This vicious cycle continues as the pockets get bigger, resulting in more food being trapped. When the gums are infected, the support for the teeth is weakened, which eventually causes tooth loss. 

As we know, our mouths are full of bacteria. Along with these bacteria are mucus and other particles, which constantly form sticky, colourless plaque on the teeth and along our gum line. Proper dental hygiene, including brushing and flossing, helps remove 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 millimetres between the root of the tooth and the gum. If plaque is formed near the teeth and gums, the gums will react and turn red, become inflamed, and swell. Gingivitis, gum bleeding are some of the common signs.

Signs of Gum Problem (Periodontitis)

Patients often notice several common signs of gum problems.

- Tender and bleeding gums

- Persistent bad breath

- Receding gums or longer appearing teeth

- Pain and discharging pus 

- Shaky teeth

Addressing and Treatment of the Problem

Standard scaling and root planing is the first step in pocket reduction. In Smile Design Dental Practice, we offer the root planing treatment procedure. Usually, root planing is done by teeth quadrants and gum under local anaesthesia. Plaque, bacteria, and 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 used to remove 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 are removed, periodontal pockets will begin to reduce in size, and the gum will start to heal.

Preventive Home Care

We recommend brushing and flossing your teeth twice daily to help prevent plaque buildup and using toothpaste with fluoride. Periodic visits to the dentist for routine checkups and professional cleaning every six months allow the dentist to remove 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. Research has 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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