Why Do I Need Scaling and Root Planing?

If you have been experiencing red, swollen, and bleeding gums every time you brush or floss, it is time to schedule an appointment with your dentist who can determine if you are dealing with some type of gum disease.

Gingivitis is the least serious and can usually be taken care of with a professional cleaning. Gingivitis can be reversed as long as you follow your dentist’s instructions, brush twice, and floss once each day, eat tooth and gum healthy foods and schedule regular checkups with your dentist.

However, if your gum disease has advanced to the more serious periodontal disease, your dentist may recommend Scaling and root planing. If it is past the point of no return, and yes, some types of periodontitis are irreversible, then he or she may refer you to a gum specialist or a periodontist who can determine what steps need to be taken to get your gums healthy again

Scaling and root planing is the most conservative and most common type of periodontal disease treatment.

Scaling is used to remove the tartar or calculus and plaque that are attached to the surfaces of your tooth. Scaling targets the hard to reach areas below your gum line and along the roots of your teeth.

Plaque is loaded with bacteria and will stick to your teeth. Over time, that plaque will harden turning into tartar. Plaque is likely to stick to the rough surfaces on your teeth. Because of this, your dentist will use root planing to remove any of the calculus that is still on your teeth while smoothing out the irregular spots on the surfaces of your teeth.

Bacteria will eventually cause periodontitis as tartar and plaque give teeth an irregular surface that makes it easy for bacteria to hide and attach itself. Scaling and root planing will remove the tartar and plaque giving your gums a chance to heal. As long as you practice good oral health habits, you may not need another scaling and root planing. If you are in the early stages of gum disease, this maybe all that you need for treatment, however, more advanced gum disease may require more invasive procedures such as surgery.

If you would like more information regarding a professional deep teeth cleaning, or scaling and root planing, schedule an appointment with your dentist today who can determine what comes next if you are suffering from gingivitis or gum disease. Call and schedule an appointment today. 

Root Planing and Scaling for Gum Disease

Root Planing and Scaling is a treatment that is used by dentists to prevent the spread of gum disease, and if you are experiencing bleeding gums, you may want to schedule an appointment with your dentist who can determine if your periodontal disease can be treated with Root Planing and Scaling.

Oral B explains that Root Planing and Scaling is one of the most effective treatments to halt the progression of periodontal disease stopping it in its tracks before it becomes more severe. Root Planing and Scaling cleans between your teeth and gums down to the roots of your teeth to get rid of plaque and tartar accumulation.

When you schedule an appointment with your dentist, x-rays will be taken to determine if you are suffering from gingivitis or the more serious periodontitis. During your periodontal examination and probing, your dentist will be able to determine how healthy your teeth and gums are. This will help your dentist diagnose gingivitis or periodontal disease while also revealing exposed roots, receding gums, tooth grinding or any other problems that you may be having.

During the examination and probing, your dentist will measure the spaces between your teeth and your gums. If there are concerns regarding the health of your gums, your dentist may refer you to a specialist, or periodontist.

If your dentist decides to perform a Root Planing and Scaling, a local anesthetic may be used to numb the roots of your teeth and your gums. Once you are numb, your dentist may use a standard scraping tool or an ultrasonic tool during the Root Planing and Scaling. Antibiotic fibers may also be placed in the pockets to help speed up the healing process while helping to prevent infection. The fibers will remain for about a week before being removed by your dentist during your next appointment.

Root Planing and Scaling causes very little discomfort, although you may be a bit sore after the treatment.

Gum disease can be serious if left to its own devices causing all kinds of problems including tooth loss. If left untreated your gingivitis can progress to the more serious periodontal disease.

If you are experiencing bleeding, red or swollen gums, schedule an appointment with your dentist who can determine if you need a Root Planing and Scaling treatment.