When you attend your routine checkup and cleaning, your dentist will inform you of any potential harm or abnormalities such as a cavity in order to make you aware of the situation and create a custom plan to help address it. Sometimes these solutions consist of simpler treatments such as a tooth-colored filling, while other times, the structure can be so severely diseased it requires extraction. If the circumstances can vary that widely for a cosmetic or surface-level issue, what does that mean for problems occurring within the tooth itself? Fortunately, your Houston, TX dentist at Sue Ellen Richardson, DDS can help you prevent tooth loss or infection that occurs as a result of bacteria below the surface through the process of scaling and root planing.
Cleaning Beneath the Surface
The process for deep cleaning is more intensive than a regular checkup and cleaning, as it takes appropriate planning and structure. When you attend your scaling and root planing appointment, your dentist will carefully clean the roots of your teeth so as to remove any harmful bacteria that have latched onto them, causing damage beneath the surface. She will then smooth out and polish the roots to make it more difficult for bacteria to reattach, a process known as planing. The procedure requires planing and will take more than one visit to complete. For more information about the treatment itself or to see if you may qualify, contact our office today.
The Dangers of Harmful Bacteria
Periodontal or gum disease occurs when harmful bacteria nestle between teeth and near the gum line, causing damage to the gums and bone that supports teeth. These bacteria secrete harmful acids that essentially eat away at the natural, healthy structure of your tooth, causing decay and infection. When they attach themselves to the roots of your teeth and make their way beneath your gum line, they can continue to thrive and cause damage as it can be difficult to remove them. While you may be practicing excellent oral health habits at home, the fact of the matter is, it can be extremely difficult to reach the deep crevices that these bacteria thrive in, meaning that professional guidance and assistance is crucial.
Preventing Disease and Infection
Nothing is more important for a lifelong smile than taking care of it both at home and attending regular appointments. At Sue Ellen Richardson, DDS, your oral health is our top priority, and we recommend attending a routine visit at least once every six months or twice a year in order to prevent minor issues from creating major damage. Contact our Houston, TX office by calling 713-796-9600 to learn more about the benefits of scaling and root planing, or to schedule your visit today.
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