Gingivitis

Don’t wait to get treatment if gingivitis develops

Gingivitis is a degenerative disease that can cause significant tooth and gum deterioration if it is not treated immediately. Don’t wait to see a dentist at Apopka Smiles if your teeth are showing signs of gingivitis. If an examination determines you have the disease, treating the condition is relatively simple and can be performed by a dentist or a hygienist.

When plaque and tartar accumulate on the teeth, bacteria thrive and multiply and will cause the gums surrounding the teeth to become inflamed and bleed. The conditions become worse when a patient eats and then brushes their teeth. Gums that bleed and are inflamed are early signs of gingivitis.

Early treatments to control gingivitis include scaling and root planing. Patients often ask our staff about the differences in the two treatments and here they are: scaling is the removal of the dental tartar from the tooth surface, while root planing is the process of smoothing the root surfaces to remove the infected tooth structure.

Both scaling and planing are non-surgical procedures that can be performed without anesthesia because they are usually painless. If the dentist or hygienist sees advanced stages of gingivitis, it may be necessary to numb the area to perform a more thorough treatment.

Deep scaling and root planing is usually broken down into one section of the mouth per appointment, which allows for faster healing. It also reduces the time for each appointment so there is less inconvenience for the patient.

For questions regarding gingivitis and treatments, call Apopka Smiles at 407-788-6888.

Call us today 407-788-6888