Scaling and Root Planing in Pasadena, Texas:
In a healthy mouth the gum tissue wraps around the gum tissue. There it forms a pocket around the tooth that is one to three millimeters in depth. During normal tooth brushing the toothbrush bristles get into and clean out the bacteria in the pockets. When home dental care is lacking and you have not been to the dentist for regular cleanings, bacteria will build up on your teeth. The bacteria will start to calcify and form a hard substance called calculus (tartar). The calculus can not be removed by tooth brushing and can only be removed by your dental hygienist with a procedure called Scaling and Root Plaining.
Scaling and Root Planing is the processes of actually removing the bacteria and calculus from the teeth. The goal of Scaling and Root Planing is physically remove sources of infection from the teeth. This will allow the gum tissue to reattach to the tooth and decrease the pocketing around the tooth. If the calculus is left on your teeth, it will cause dental decay and cause periodontal disease.
Also, an advanced laser is used to help eliminate bacteria around the teeth. Your hygienists will place a laser into the gum tissue pocket around your tooth. Then the hygienist will use a foot pedal to turn on the laser energy. The laser is at a specific wavelength that seeks out bacteria and destroys the bacteria. The advanced laser treatment is quick and painless and leads to better overall gum tissue health.
Periodontal disease (gum disease) is a bacterial infection of the gum tissue that surrounds your teeth. Gum disease is the main reason for tooth loss in adults. Unfortunately, periodontal disease does not hurt and patients do not know that they have a bacterial infection. During regular dental checkups, Dr. Nugent and your hygienist check for signs of periodontal disease. This examination is done by measuring the pocket between your teeth and gums.
What causes periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is caused by a buildup of bacteria. The bacteria forms plaque which is a sticky blanket of bacteria. If the plaque is not removed daily it will continue to build up and form calculus. This bacterial accumulation releases toxins that damage the gum tissue and bone. The more damage that is allowed to happen results in more destruction of the teeth support system. The teeth become mobile and eventually are lost. Periodontal disease has two forms: gingivitis and periodontitis.
- Gingivitis — This is the initial stage of gum disease. The gum tissue becomes red, puffy, swollen, and bleeds easily. At this stage, the disease is treatable and can generally be eliminated by daily brushing and flossing.
- Periodontitis — If left untreated, gingivitis will develop into periodontitis. The gum tissue and bone that support the teeth will be irreversibly damaged. Gum tissues that have severe bacterial infection with periodontitis will cause teeth to become loose, fall out, or have to be removed by Dr. Nugent.
Factors can increase a patient’s risk of developing periodontal disease, including:
- Poor home dental hygiene
- Smoking or using chewing tobacco
- Uncontrolled Diabetes
- Bridges and partial dentures that no longer fit properly
- Crooked teeth
- Pregnancy
Symptoms of Periodontal disease include:
- Gum tissue that bleed easily
- Red, swollen, puffy, tender gums
- Painful gum tissue
- Gum tissue that has pulled away from the teeth
- Chronic bad breath or bad taste
- Pus around and in the gum tissue
- Teeth that are loose, separating, and mobile
- Changes in the way your teeth fit together
- Any change in the fit of partial dentures
Treating Gum Disease
Treatments for periodontal disease include:
- Scaling and Root Planing (deep cleaning)
- Periodontal surgery and laser gum surgery
- Dental implants
Preventing Gum Disease
Proper brushing and flossing is key to good home dental care. Furthermore, regular dental checkups and periodontal examinations at Dr. Nugent’s Pasadena Texas Dental Office is extremely important for maintaining your dental health. Visit us at 3421 Burke Rd STE A, Pasadena, Texas 77504.
Dental calculus, also known as tartar, is a hardened deposit that forms when dental plaque is not removed properly. While plaque is soft and can be brushed away, tartar requires professional removal by a dental hygienist or dentist.
At our Pasadena dental office, we frequently see patients with tartar buildup who are unaware of its dangers. That’s why we created this educational video — to help you understand what calculus is, how it forms, and why it needs to be removed regularly.
How Does Tartar Form?
Tartar develops when plaque (a sticky film of bacteria) combines with minerals in your saliva and hardens. It often forms along the gumline and between teeth, where brushing and flossing are less effective.
Why Is Tartar Harmful?
Once tartar forms, it becomes a rough surface that traps more bacteria, leading to:
Gum inflammation (gingivitis)
Periodontal disease
Bad breath
Tooth decay
If left untreated, calculus can damage the gums and supporting bone, eventually leading to tooth loss.
Preventing and Removing Calculus
Brushing and flossing at home are essential, but only a dental professional can remove hardened tartar. That’s why we recommend:
Routine dental cleanings every 6 months
Proper brushing and flossing techniques
Avoiding sugary foods and acidic beverages
At our Pasadena dental practice, Dr. Nugent and our hygiene team use ultrasonic tools and precision hand instruments to safely and effectively remove tartar, giving your mouth a clean, healthy foundation.