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Question:
What are the pros and cons of having your gums cleaned? I'm not sure of what the procedure is called, but I was told at my last dental appointment that I have a lot of tartar build up underneath my gums.
It will take two appointments to clean under the gums, which of course will be numbed. I've heard that this could eventually cause your gums to separate from your teeth - which would make this procedure not necessary ...Visitor from CA
Answer:
It sounds like the doctor is suggesting a deep scaling and root planing procedure to prevent further gum disease. Periodontal (gum) diseases, including gingivitis and periodontitis, are serious infections that, left untreated, can lead to tooth loss.
The word periodontal literally means "around the tooth." Periodontal disease is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the gums and bone supporting the teeth. Periodontal disease can affect one tooth or many teeth.
It begins when the bacteria in plaque (the sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth) causes the gums to become inflamed. See picture
During this procedure, the roots of the teeth are cleaned and debrided above and below the gumline.
This allows teeth and gums to become free of tartar, plaque, and bacteria. This creates an environment which allows the gums to heal. Your gum tissue may actually tighten around each tooth and become a more pleasing pink color. Healthy teeth and gums are very important to your overall health.
Editorial Staff
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