Gingivitis is a generative disease that left untreated, will cause 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 our office.

Plaque and tarter that sits on the teeth provides an environment, which allows bacteria to thrive and multiply. The bacteria cause the gums to become inflamed and bleed. The condition becomes more noticeable when you brush your teeth or sometimes when you eat. These are signs of the early stage of gingivitis. Gingivitis is easily treated by having the hygienist scale and polish the teeth. If gingivitis is left untreated, the condition will progress and the roots will require scaling and root planing. Scaling is the removal of the dental tartar from the tooth surface while root planing is the process of smoothing the root surfaces and removing the infected tooth structure.

As a non-surgical procedure, scaling and polishing is performed without any anesthesia. Advanced stages of gingivitis are treated with scaling and root planing. It is usually necessary to numb the area for complete comfort. This deep scaling and root planing is usually broken down into one or two sections of the mouth per appointment. This allows for adequate healing time, and reduces the number of appointments needed.