Arresting the Progression of Gingivitis

When periodontal (gum) disease progresses to the point where bacteria-laden plaque hardens on the teeth to form calculus (“tartar”), the inflammatory condition known as “gingivitis” appears.
Left untreated, the chronic inflammation can spread down to the underlying bone to create the potential for tooth loss. To prevent the outcome, patients with gingivitis are treated with scaling and root planning, which removes calculus buildup on tooth surfaces above and below the gum line. Then, as an adjunct to scaling and root planning, an anti-bacterial powder may be applied to the pockets that surround each treated tooth. This helps to prevent the return of the bacteria that threaten periodontal health, and it is more effective than scaling and root planning alone.

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