Gingivitis is a generative disease that, if left untreated, causes significant tooth and gum deterioration. Just the word gingivitis can strike panic in a patient’s mind. The reality is that the treatment is simple and performed right in your dentist’s office.
Gingivitis is easily treated by having the hygienist scale and polish the teeth. The condition will progress if left untreated, and the roots need planning. The difference between scaling and root planning is simple. Scaling removes dental tartar from the tooth surface, while root planing smoothens the root surfaces and removes the infected tooth structure.
Scaling and root planing, non-surgical procedures, are performed in the dentist’s office without the need for anesthesia. While the procedure is usually painless, advanced stages of gingivitis may require numbing the area for complete comfort. Deep scaling and root planing are usually divided into one mouth section per appointment, allowing for adequate healing time and reducing the time for each appointment. Contact our team at Burvant Family Dentistry today for your consultation.