Getting your teeth cleaned on a regular basis is an important part of maintaining good oral health. These checkups will look for any signs of tooth decay, bite misalignment, and gum disease. Speaking of, gum disease is a common occurrence among many patients, and if it is detected early, then your Gary, IN, dentist can provide proper treatment to mitigate it, such as a scaling and root planing procedure, which is a deep cleaning to remove plaque and tartar from underneath the gums.

Getting Underneath The Issue

When we clean your teeth, we often focus on the surface areas, the parts visible to the naked eye. We remove all the plaque and tartar that may have built up on them over time. Eliminating them helps reduce the possibility of cavities forming. With scaling and root planing, we concentrate on the parts of your teeth not often seen. We are talking about the roots, and when bacteria settle in underneath your gum tissue, it can cause infections. Having this treatment done early can help reduce further gum disease.  

What Happens During the Procedure?

A deep cleaning like this usually requires two visits. With scaling, a dentist removes all the plaque and tartar from your teeth and gumline, above and below it, including down to the pocket’s bottom. After this, the dentist performs root planing, which is smoothing out the roots so that your gums can reattach to the teeth. A local anesthetic may be used to make the procedure as comfortable for you as needed. A follow-up appointment will be made so that the dentist can evaluate how your gums are healing. 

Using Ultrasonic Technology To Minimize Discomfort

Most patients who have scaling and planing performed on them experience sore and tender gums afterward. At our office, though, we utilized advanced dental technology to help minimize this discomfort. Our ultrasonic technology uses calibrated waves to break up plaque and tartar deposits. It does so in a gentle way so that your experience is more comfortable.  

Anything I Can Do At Home For My Gums?

There are several good habits you can practice at home that will help with your oral health. As always, brush twice a day for at least two minutes each time. Floss thoroughly between your teeth before you go to bed each night. Strive to have a balanced diet, and avoid smoking. These things, along with regular checkups with us, will put you on a good path for a beautiful smile.

Treat Early Gum Disease Today

At Healthy Smiles of Northwest Indiana, we want to make sure you maintain good oral health, which includes treating gum disease early. To find out more about our scaling and root planing treatment, or to schedule your appointment, call Healthy Smiles in Gary, IN, today at 219-938-2637.