Dr. Nicholas Rauber guides Aesthetic Dentistry Group, a well-established Baton Rouge, Louisiana, practice that offers patients a broad spectrum of services, from veneers to teeth whitening. Dr. Nicholas Rauber's office also performs scaling and root planing as a way of addressing common periodontal issues as well as treating the beginning stages of periodontal issues such as gingivitis.

A condition that often goes undiagnosed in its early stages, gingivitis is typified by symptoms such as tender and swollen gums that easily bleed during brushing or flossing. More serious symptoms include gums that shift away from the teeth and teeth that become loose. In addition, individuals may experience pain associated with chewing and a change of the “fit” of teeth in the mouth.

In evaluating gum disease, dental professionals like Dr. Nick Rauber examine the gums for inflammation and measure the the distance between gums and teeth, which in more serious cases, develops a pocket. In cases where periodontal disease is evident, x-rays can confirm whether significant bone loss has occurred and whether further treatment by a periodontist is necessary. Deep cleaning, such as scaling and root planing, is an important part of periodontal disease care, with surgery sometimes recommended in advanced cases. For many patients with mild gingivitis, however, proper flossing and brushing remains the single most effective method of treatment.