Tooronga Family Dentistry in Glen Iris

Family dental care in Glen Iris

What Is Biologic Width around a Tooth and Why Does It Matter in Glen Iris?

The soft tissue lining covers the entire mouth and acts as a barrier to prevent bacteria from entering the body. Where teeth erupt through the bone, the gum must form a tight cuff around each tooth—this area is essential for keeping bacteria out and protecting your overall health.

To safeguard the junction between tooth and gum, every tooth is encircled by a vital “connective tissue attachment” known as the biologic width. This structure is divided into three key zones:

  • Gum sulcus (gum pocket): The shallow crevice next to the tooth, typically 0.69 mm in depth.

  • Epithelial attachment: The layer of gum cells directly attached to the tooth’s surface, about 0.97 mm deep.

  • Connective tissue attachment: The robust tissue anchoring the gum to the tooth, roughly 1.07 mm deep.

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The total biologic width averages 2.04 mm and forms a natural seal against infection and disease. When dental work invades this biologic width, inflammation and bone loss can result.

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Why Is Biologic Width Important for Oral Health?

  • Maintains a natural seal to block bacteria and prevent gum disease

  • Preserves healthy gums and protects underlying bone

  • Ensures restorative dental treatments don’t cause chronic inflammation

Understanding and preserving biologic width is crucial in both dental treatment planning and daily oral care. Learn more about gum attachment features and gum inflammation.

What is the difference between Scaling and Root Planning in Glen Iris?

Following an examination of the gum tissues, your dentist may recommend treatment such as scaling and/or root planing depending on the condition of your gums, the amount of calculus (tartar) present, the depth of gum pockets, and the progression of gum disease.

What Is Scaling?

Scaling is the removal of plaque and calculus from the tooth surface above and below the gum line using special dental instruments, including ultrasonic scalers and hand scalers. During this procedure, superficial stains on the teeth are also removed, leaving your teeth looking cleaner and brighter. This helps eliminate bacteria that irritate the gums and cause inflammation.

What Is Root Planing?

Root planing is a more in-depth procedure targeting the root surfaces of teeth. It involves removing infected cementum and smoothening out rough areas on the tooth root where bacteria and toxins tend to accumulate. This smoothing allows the gums to heal properly and reattach to the tooth surface, preventing further bacterial colonization. Because the root surface may be sensitive, local anesthesia is often administered to minimize discomfort.

When Are These Treatments Necessary?

  • If gum pocket depths are 3 mm or less, scaling alone combined with good oral hygiene at home may suffice to reverse gum disease.

  • If pockets are deeper than 3 mm, root planing will likely be needed in conjunction with scaling to thoroughly remove infection and promote healing.

Healing and Outcomes

After scaling and/or root planing, a healing period of a few weeks is typical. Successful treatment eradicates harmful bacteria, allowing gum tissues to recover. As a result, gum pocket depths should reduce to less than 3 mm, and symptoms like bad breath should improve significantly.

When to Contact Your Dentist

If you notice any signs of gum inflammation such as redness, swelling, or bleeding, seek prompt evaluation and treatment. Early intervention can prevent progression to more severe gum disease and tooth loss.

For personalised advice and treatment, please contact Dr. Daniel Kaufman or schedule an appointment at Tooronga Family Dentistry.