It is important to catch gum disease as early as possible before it affects the structure and integrity of your teeth. If your gums are red, bleeding, swollen, tender or receding, your Bartlett Dental Care dentist may recommend scaling and root planing.

Scaling removes a sticky film of bacteria called plaque from below the gumline. Root planing then smooths the tooth root and helps the gums reattach to the teeth. Often, no further treatment will be immediately required.