[Health Column] Were you relieved after just getting a scaling? A 10,000 won treatment to clean the 'basement' inside your gums

 

hello, Oh Su-hwan, Chief Director of Smile D Dental Clinic It is. 😊

 

I see so many people who come in for scaling without fail every year and feel proud, saying, "I am taking good care of my dental care."

 

Of course, regular scaling is an excellent first step in maintaining dental health. However, simply cleaning the visible surface of the teeth thoroughly is not enough. It does not solve all problems deep within the gums.

 

actually Approximately 31% of the Korean population, or one in three people, suffers from gum disease. Periodontal disease occurs so frequently that it is common enough to cause suffering.

 

Today, I will candidly discuss true gum care methods that scaling alone couldn't cover, as well as the most cost-effective periodontal treatments to protect your teeth for a lifetime. 👇

 

1️⃣ Scaling only cleans the surface; is the 'basement' deep inside the gums safe?

Scaling that only cleans the first floor of a building—the real cause lies in the unseen basement.

Scaling is a treatment that scrapes away visible tartar and plaque attached to the outer surface of the teeth using the vibrations of an ultrasonic scaler and water. To use an analogy Cleaning dust from the first floor of the building It is the same as.

 

However, the real cause of gum disease is the invisible inside of the gums, that is. Subgingival (below the gums) It is hidden there. The tartar and plaque on the surface gradually burrow into the crevices of the gums, causing inflammation from the inside, just like how a basement is contaminated.

 

⚠️ If this invisible plaque is left untreated, the gum bone will gradually erode, causing the teeth to loosen and eventually leading to extraction.

 

🔶 Stories frequently heard from patients: Even though I get a scaling every year, the inside of my gums is bleeding and throbbing.

This is a typical case where plaque accumulated in this very 'basement (inside the gums)' and caused inflammation.

 

2️⃣ What is 'Root Planing' to Protect Your Teeth for a Lifetime?

It is the best value periodontal treatment that cleans deep into the gums for just 10,000 to 20,000 won.

Additionally, after finishing the scaling 10,000 to 20,000 won The treatment that allows you to manage deep within the gums at a reasonable cost is Root Planning It is classified as a representative gum treatment along with gingival curettage, and simply put, Basement cleaning It corresponds to.

 

This is a treatment that involves inserting a fine instrument into the space inside the gums to scrape away invisible tartar, inflammatory tissue, and plaque adhering to the surface of the tooth roots, thereby smoothing the root surface.

 

Because the instrument goes deep into the gums, usually to reduce pain light anesthesia It is performed in conjunction with [the procedure]. In cases where gum inflammation is excessively severe and the inside is completely invisible, the gum is slightly incised to expose it before treatment. Periodontal surgery (flap surgery) It also moves on to the next stage.

 

🔶 Why Root Planing Is Beneficial
Root planing is a procedure covered by health insurance, so the cost burden is low. If you receive this treatment properly and on time, you can significantly prevent a situation where you later have to have teeth extracted and spend millions to tens of millions of won on implants.

 

 

3️⃣ Should I go to the dentist right now? Gum self-diagnosis

Check out the three or more signals your gums are sending right now in front of the mirror.

Gum disease has almost no pain in the early stages and does not show distinct symptoms. The silent tooth thief It was called that. It often worsens without the person even realizing it, and by the time they visit the dentist due to sudden heavy bleeding or severely loose teeth, it is often too late.

 

🔶 1. Gum color
Healthy gums light pink It takes on a certain appearance. On the other hand, if the gums are excessively dark red, it means that inflammation is progressing.

 

🔶 2. Presence or absence of swelling
If your gums feel swollen and protruding more than before, it is a warning sign.

 

🔶 3. Bleeding when brushing teeth
If blood comes out of your gums while brushing your teeth, it is a clear indication that treatment is needed. If red blood consistently appears when you bite into an apple, it is an emergency distress signal (SOS) from your gums. 🚨

 

If my gums are red, swollen, or bleeding You should visit a dentist without delay to check the height and condition of your gum bone with a panoramic X-ray and begin appropriate gum treatment.

 

4️⃣ Scaling vs. Root Planing, a Comparison at a Glance

Comparison items	Scaling	Root planing
Cleaning range	Above the gum line (tooth surface)	The surface of the tooth root inside the gum
To use an analogy	Cleaning the first floor of the building	Basement cleaning
Whether or not to anesthetize	Usually no anesthesia	Accompanied by light anesthesia
time taken	Relatively short	About 20 minutes per area
Insurance coverage	Health insurance coverage once a year	Health insurance coverage (approx. 10,000 to 20,000 won)
To someone like this	For everyone who wants regular maintenance	Those with confirmed gum bleeding, swelling, or root tartar

 

💬 Gum Care FAQs

Q1. Is gum treatment very painful? How long does it take?

 

A. Many people worry that it will be painful because the inside of the gums needs to be scraped out, but, Since the procedure is performed under anesthesia, you will feel almost no pain. However, since the surface of each tooth root must be meticulously trimmed one by one, it may take approximately 20 minutes depending on the area. ⏱️

 

Q2. Is root planing absolutely necessary even if I get regular scaling?

 

A. Scaling is a preliminary treatment to remove tartar above the gum line. X-ray examination results show gaps in the gum bone or near the roots If tartar has already settled and is causing inflammation Since scaling alone cannot remove plaque from the roots, deep gum treatments such as root planing must be performed in conjunction.

 

Q3. Will my teeth become more sensitive or will gaps widen after receiving gum treatment?

 

A. As the thick plaque covering the tooth roots and swollen inflamed tissue disappear, you may temporarily feel empty spaces between your teeth or experience sensitivity to cold water. This is The natural process of gums receding and recovering It also eliminates hidden causative bacteria, helping you preserve your teeth for a longer period in the long term. 👍

 

🎯 A wise choice to protect your precious natural teeth

It is easy to become complacent, thinking that scaling alone is sufficient until teeth start to hurt or become loose. However, if you neglect the health of the gum bone supporting the teeth and the inside of the roots, eventually A situation where you have to use a shovel to fix what could have been fixed with a hoe. This can come.

 

However, it is difficult to expect the same effect for everyone, and rather than deciding on a procedure blindly The first step is to thoroughly examine your own condition. Not all symptoms appearing now are signs of a serious disease.

 

However, if you experience any signs of self-diagnosis or feel even the slightest discomfort in your daily life, we recommend visiting a dentist to examine the condition of your gum bone with an X-ray. If subtle abnormalities such as gum swelling or bleeding are detected, please consult with medical professionals to proceed with personalized, step-by-step gum treatment tailored to your specific needs. 🩺

 

 

 

 

Smile D Dental Clinic

Chief Director Oh Su-hwan

• Graduated from Yonsei University College of Dentistry
• Major in Orthodontics, Yonsei University Graduate School of Dentistry
• Ministry of Health and Welfare certified orthodontist
• Regular member of the Korean Association of Orthodontists
• Completed internship and residency in Orthodontics at Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital
• International member of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO)
• International member of the World Federation of Correctional Organizations (WFO)
• Regular member of the Korean Association of Orthodontists
• Certified by the Korean Association of Orthodontists

 

 

 

 

 

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