Don’t Let Gum Disease Progress
Are you experiencing signs of early-stage gum disease, such as red gums, swelling, or bleeding? If so, your dentist can help. Don’t let gum disease progress into later stages and cause issues including tooth loss. Scaling and root planing can help alleviate the plaque and tartar buildup and reverse the effects of early-stage gum disease.
Learn more about this type of dental cleaning from our Seattle dentists.
What Is Scaling and Root Planing?
Scaling and root planing, also known as a deep cleaning, is a non-surgical dental procedure used to treat periodontal disease. It involves the removal of plaque and tartar that’s built up below the gum line and smoothes out the tooth root to prevent further bacterial growth.
The scaling and root planing processes are performed together to improve oral health and prevent gum disease from progressing.
The Benefits of Scaling & Root Planing
For those showing signs of early-stage gum disease, scaling and root planing can provide you with the following benefits:
- Prevents gum disease from progressing into periodontitis
- Reduces the risk of tooth loss
- Eliminates bad breath
- Improves overall oral health
- Can save you money on future dental treatments
- Decreases gum bleeding
When Is Scaling and Root Planing Necessary?
Scaling and root planing are necessary when there’s an excessive build-up of plaque and tartar that has caused gum inflammation, bleeding, and even bone loss. A deep cleaning may be recommended if:
- There’s moderate to severe gum disease, also known as periodontitis.
- There’s a significant amount of plaque and tartar buildup on the teeth and gums.
- There’s bleeding, inflammation, and recession of the gums.
- When there are deep pockets between the teeth and gums that have formed due to gum disease.
- When some teeth become loose or teeth have shifted due to gum disease.
Scaling and Root Planing Risks
Like any dental procedure, there are some risks patients should be aware of. Risks associated with a deep cleaning include:
- Sensitivity: After scaling and root planing, you may experience some sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, as well as sweet or sour foods. This usually subsides within a few days to a week.
- Gum Recession: In some cases, deep cleanings can cause the gums to recede, or pull away from the teeth. This can make the teeth appear longer and expose the tooth roots, which can be sensitive to cold temperatures.
- Infection: Dental scaling and root planing involves removing bacteria from the gums and teeth. However, in some cases, the procedure can introduce bacteria into the bloodstream, which can potentially cause infections in other parts of the body.
- Pain: Some patients may experience discomfort or pain during and after a deep cleaning. This is usually mild and can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.
- Anesthesia Risks: If local anesthesia is used during the procedure, there is a small risk of an allergic reaction or other side effects related to the anesthesia.
How the Scaling and Root Planing Process Works
The scaling and root planing procedure can be completed through the following steps:
- Evaluation: Your dentist will evaluate the extent of periodontal disease through dental X-rays and measurements of the gum pockets.
- Local Anesthetic: We’ll use a local anesthetic, or another form of dental sedation, to numb the area before starting the procedure.
- Scaling: Your dentist will use special tools to remove the plaque and tartar from the tooth surfaces and below the gum line. This is also known as dental scaling.
- Root Planing: The tooth root can become rough due to uneven plaque and tartar buildup. Your dentist will smooth out the rough surfaces of the tooth root to prevent further bacterial growth and encourage the gums to reattach to the teeth.
- Antibacterial Rinse: An antibacterial rinse will be given to you to help flush out any remaining bacteria.
Scaling and Root Planing Aftercare
After your scaling and root planing procedure, you’ll want to take care of your oral health. Your dentist may recommend doing the following:
- Follow a good oral hygiene routine, including brushing twice a day and flossing daily.
- Use an antibacterial mouthwash as prescribed by your dentist.
- Avoid eating hard, crunchy, or sticky foods for a few days.
- Attend regular dental checkups to monitor your oral health.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the scaling and root planing procedure is generally painless. Your dentist will use a local anesthetic, or another form of dental sedation depending on your needs, to numb the area and minimize any discomfort.
The duration of the procedure depends on the condition of your oral health, but it usually takes one to two hours and multiple sessions. Your dentist will examine the condition of your oral health and will provide an estimated timeline. Depending on the progression of your periodontal disease, it may take more than one scaling and root planing appointment to reverse its effects.
Scaling and root planing can help to manage periodontal disease, but it’s not a cure. It’s essential to maintain good oral hygiene and keep up with regular dental visits to reduce the risk of periodontal disease recurrence.
Whether scaling and root planing is worth it depends on the severity of the gum disease and the individual patient’s needs. In the early stages of gum disease, scaling and root planing may be sufficient to reverse the condition and prevent further damage to the teeth and gums. However, in more advanced cases of gum disease, additional treatments may be necessary, such as periodontal surgery or even tooth extraction.
Many dental insurance plans cover the cost of scaling and root planing, but it’s best to check with your provider to confirm your coverage. If the coverage isn’t enough, ask your dentist if their office provides special discounts or financing options.
Reverse Your Periodontal Disease With Our Seattle Dentist
We can effectively treat your periodontal disease with a scaling and root planing treatment. This type of deep cleaning can help improve your oral health and prevent tooth loss. If you suspect you have gum disease, seek prompt treatment from our Seattle dentist. Contact us to schedule your appointment today!
