Scaling & Root Planing
Effective treatment for gum disease to restore your oral health and protect your smile. Our gentle deep cleaning procedures help prevent the progression of periodontal disease.
Understanding Gum Disease & Treatment
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common but serious infection that affects the soft tissue and bone supporting your teeth. If left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss and has been linked to various systemic health conditions.
Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical, deep cleaning procedure designed to treat gum disease in its early to moderate stages. This therapeutic treatment goes beyond a regular dental cleaning to address bacteria and tartar buildup below the gumline.
Warning Signs of Gum Disease
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Bleeding while brushing or flossing
- Receding gums (teeth appear longer)
- Persistent bad breath
- Loose teeth
- Pus between teeth and gums
- Changes in bite or fit of partial dentures
Progression of periodontal disease and treatment with scaling and root planing
The Scaling & Root Planing Procedure
Our thorough approach to treating gum disease involves several steps to ensure effective results.
Scaling
The removal of plaque and tartar (dental calculus) from the tooth surface above and below the gumline.
Benefits:
- Removes bacterial toxins
- Eliminates calculus deposits
- Cleans tooth surfaces
Root Planing
Smoothing the root surfaces to remove bacterial toxins and create a clean surface for the gums to reattach to the teeth.
Benefits:
- Promotes healing
- Helps gums reattach
- Reduces inflammation
Local Anesthesia
To ensure your comfort during the procedure, we use local anesthesia to numb the treatment area.
Benefits:
- Ensures comfort
- Reduces anxiety
- Allows for thorough cleaning
Antimicrobial Therapy
In some cases, we may apply antimicrobial agents to help control bacterial infection.
Benefits:
- Fights infection
- Reduces bacteria
- Promotes healing
Benefits of Scaling & Root Planing
This therapeutic treatment offers numerous advantages for your oral and overall health.
Stops the progression of gum disease
Reduces inflammation and bleeding
Eliminates bad breath caused by bacteria
Prevents tooth loss
Promotes reattachment of healthy gums to teeth
Reduces risk of systemic health problems linked to gum disease
Aftercare & Maintenance
Proper aftercare is essential for successful treatment outcomes. Following your scaling and root planing procedure, we'll provide detailed instructions to ensure optimal healing and prevent recurrence of gum disease.
Aftercare Recommendations
- Maintain excellent oral hygiene with regular brushing and flossing
- Use antimicrobial mouth rinse as prescribed
- Attend follow-up appointments to monitor healing
- Schedule regular professional cleanings
- Avoid tobacco products
- Follow a healthy diet
Remember that ongoing maintenance is crucial for long-term success. We'll recommend a personalized periodontal maintenance schedule to keep your gums healthy and prevent the recurrence of gum disease.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about scaling and root planing.
Is scaling and root planing painful?
We use local anesthesia to ensure your comfort during the procedure. Most patients experience minimal discomfort. After the procedure, you may experience some sensitivity, but this typically subsides within a few days.
How long does the procedure take?
Scaling and root planing is usually performed in quadrants (sections of the mouth). Each quadrant typically takes 45-60 minutes. Depending on the severity of your condition, we may complete the entire mouth in one visit or schedule multiple appointments.
How often do I need scaling and root planing?
Scaling and root planing is not a regular procedure like routine cleanings. It's a therapeutic treatment for gum disease. After the initial treatment, we'll evaluate your gum health and determine if additional treatments are necessary or if you can return to regular maintenance cleanings.
What happens if I don't get treatment for gum disease?
Untreated gum disease can lead to serious consequences, including tooth loss, bone loss, and increased risk of systemic health problems like heart disease and diabetes. Early intervention with scaling and root planing can prevent these complications.
Is scaling and root planing covered by insurance?
Most dental insurance plans provide coverage for scaling and root planing as it's considered a necessary treatment for gum disease. Our team will help you understand your insurance benefits and any out-of-pocket costs before treatment.
Take Action Against Gum Disease
Don't wait until gum disease causes irreversible damage. Contact us today to schedule an evaluation and take the first step toward healthier gums.