Teeth Scaling and Root Planing: How They May Save Your Teeth

Teeth Scaling and Root Planing: How They May Save Your Teeth

October 18, 2022

As well as being a family dentist in Edmonton, Viva Dental Wellness is also home to our own sleep clinic where we offer sleep apnea treatment in Edmonton’s west side. If you live in Edmonton and sleep apnea is robbing you of your best life, call us at our dental clinic in Windermere to book an appointment.

Dentists in Windermere face the same challenges with their patients as does every dentist: helping patients understand the importance of oral health.

While most patients are compliant with a brushing routine, not everyone can just pick up a toothbrush after a meal to prevent cavities. Seniors can struggle with grip, coordination and even dementia those with severe disabilities may not be able to perform this function at all. These are real issues that impact our special needs patients directly. So, it is as important that we educate their caregivers about how best to provide oral health care for their loved ones. Our Windermere dentist has a depth of experience in treating those with complex needs and can be trusted to provide helpful advice and encouragement.

Even the best dentist in Edmonton would tell you that most of the cavities they treat are preventable. Gum disease is the single most frequently treated condition and a primary cause of tooth loss. Dentists know that patients will do better if they are better informed, and it starts with understanding the environment inside your mouth.

Understanding Plaque

If you’ve ever run your tongue along your teeth and felt that ‘fuzzy’ feeling, you know what it is to have an overgrowth of certain bacteria in the mouth. Plaque grows where it is dark and moist, and it feeds on carbohydrates. Chips, bread and sweets are among the favourites for plaque, and once they’ve consumed the leftovers (food debris) left in the mouth after eating or drinking sugars excrete a very acidic by-product. This is where the problem starts.

When your teeth and gums are exposed to this acid, it degrades them and weakens the enamel that protects your teeth. It makes cavities larger with each exposure and is very irritating to the soft tissues like the gums and cheeks.

With a strong oral health routine, this would happen infrequently before being brushed and rinsed away. Without a strong routine, however, lack of cleaning promotes an acidic assault on your teeth.

Tartar

Once you’ve had tartar hanging around for a period of time, its constant exposure to saliva calcifies it on the teeth. This thing called tartar likes to settle-in around the collars of the teeth and becomes stained by the foods you eat and drink. This can make the teeth look dark and unhealthy, and it can only be removed at a dental office.

The tartar also irritates gum tissue, causing it to turn red. Without flossing between the teeth, tartar will begin to cause the inflamed gum tissue to pull away from the base of the tooth, leaving a pocket for acids and bacteria to enter and further irritate. With further neglect, tartar gets between the teeth and gums and begins to affect the root.

Periodontitis

Also referred to as gum disease, periodontitis occurs when infection has entered deep into the tissues and is putting your teeth and bones at risk. Periodontitis can lead to tooth loss if the condition is severe enough. Before your dentist in south Edmonton will recommend surgery, he or she will likely suggest teeth scaling and root planing. Whether you already have what you consider to be the best dental clinic in Edmonton or the newest one, all dental clinics in Edmonton can perform this procedure. If you need treatment but don’t have a regular dentist, find a new dentist by Googling: dentist near me or dentist in southside Edmonton.

The treatment involves scraping tartar off the tooth and below the gumline, often down to the root. Since this can be uncomfortable, your dentist may recommend a local anaesthetic to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure.

Regular Visits

Whether your teeth and gums are healthy or showing signs of gingivitis, regular visits to your dentist are an important part of your oral health routine which should accompany brushing and flossing twice daily. Choosing foods that are low in sugars and doughs and favour healthy proteins and whole foods. Drinking more water promotes rinsing of the teeth and can help return the mouth to an appropriate pH after eating or drinking a sweet drink. Smoking and vaping may encourage the development of gingivitis and gum disease. If you are struggling to kick the smoking habit, talk to your dentist about your options. Remember, you only get your adult teeth once. Taking care of your teeth is an important part of caring for your body as a whole.

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