Catch Gum Disease Before It Costs You Teeth

No. A standard cleaning (prophylaxis) removes plaque and calculus from above and just below the gumline, in pockets up to three millimeters deep. Scaling and root planing goes deeper, into pockets of four millimeters or more, to clean the root surfaces and remove the calculus causing infection. It is done under local anesthetic and typically requires multiple appointments.

The area is thoroughly numbed before we begin, so you feel pressure and vibration but not pain during the procedure. Afterwards, as the anesthetic wears off, the gums may be tender and sensitive for a few days. Over-the-counter pain relief and salt-water rinses are usually sufficient. Most patients return to normal comfort within a week.

A full course of scaling and root planing typically takes two to four appointments depending on how many teeth are affected and the severity of the disease. We usually treat one or two quadrants (sections of the mouth) per appointment to keep each visit manageable. A re-evaluation four to six weeks later assesses the response.

Research shows that bacteria recolonize treated periodontal pockets within about ninety days. Coming in every three to four months allows us to clean the pockets before bacteria levels reach the threshold that re-triggers bone loss. Standard six-month intervals are designed for people who have never had periodontitis, not those with a history of the disease.

Periodontitis can be controlled but not cured. The deep pockets remain susceptible to re-infection if bacteria accumulate. Regular periodontal maintenance appointments and meticulous home care keep it under control. Patients who skip maintenance or smoke are at significantly higher risk of disease returning.

Most dental insurance plans include a separate periodontal benefit that covers scaling and root planing, usually at a higher percentage than standard cleanings. Periodontal maintenance visits are often also covered. Coverage varies by plan. We verify your specific benefits and give you the numbers in writing before treatment begins.

Brushing alone does not reach below the gumline. Genetics, dry mouth from medications, smoking, diabetes, and the specific bacteria in your mouth all play significant roles. Some people develop periodontitis with excellent home care simply because of the strains of bacteria they carry. Regular professional cleanings and monitoring catch it early regardless of cause.

Yes. Research has linked untreated periodontitis to increased risk of heart disease, difficulty controlling blood sugar in people with diabetes, and complications during pregnancy. The bacteria from periodontal pockets can enter the bloodstream. Treating gum disease has been shown to improve blood sugar control in diabetic patients and is genuinely a whole-body health issue.

No. Bleeding gums are a sign of inflammation, not a reason to avoid the area. Brushing and flossing thoroughly at the gumline is exactly what reduces inflammation. If your gums continue to bleed despite consistent brushing for two weeks, come in for a check: it likely means there is calculus below the gumline that needs professional removal.

Discomfort after scaling and root planing is usually mild and resolves within a few days. Some root sensitivity to cold is common and improves as the gums reattach. A small number of patients experience sensitivity for a few weeks. Desensitising toothpaste or fluoride varnish helps. Significant ongoing pain is uncommon and should be reported to us.