What Is Periodontal Scaling And Root Planing?

Periodontal scaling and root planing are routine dental procedures that treat gum disease. With regular scaling and root planing, patients with periodontal disease can manage their condition and protect their teeth from future damage.

About Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, affects nearly half of all American adults, especially those who have not practiced good oral care habits like brushing and flossing regularly.

Periodontal disease starts with gingivitis, a reversible condition characterized by red, bleeding gums when the patient brushes or flosses. If the patient does not address gingivitis with rigorous home care procedures, it can develop into advanced periodontal disease.

Plaque and tartar buildup along the gum line causes advanced periodontal disease. Deep pockets develop between the teeth and gums, causing gum recession and bone exposure. The gums become infected. This combination of factors weakens the bone around the teeth, causing more spacing between teeth and premature tooth loss.

How Scaling and Root Planing Treat Gum Disease

Scaling and root planing become necessary when regular cleaning is no longer enough to remove the accumulated tartar and plaque above and below the gum line. The procedures are sometimes called “deep cleaning.”

The procedures are not painful but may cause discomfort afterward. Dentists can minimize this discomfort by using a local anesthetic on the gums to minimize soreness.

Scaling

Scaling is a non-surgical, minimally invasive procedure. It involves using a specialized instrument called a scaler to remove the tartar and plaque from the entire tooth surface and the pockets between the teeth and gums. Scaling helps to reduce the severity of infection below the gum line.

Root Planing

Root planing smooths the root surface beneath the gum line. Cleaning the roots and providing an even surface allows the gums to reattach, shrinking the periodontal pockets and returning your teeth to a better state of health.

Appointment Frequency

Periodontists usually perform scaling and root planing in quadrants, meaning that a complete procedure takes four appointments. Periodontists recommend making appointments every three months.

Preventing Periodontal Disease

Fortunately, periodontal disease is largely preventable. Practicing lifelong dental care habits like brushing, flossing, and making all recommended dental visits reduces your chances of developing this severe disease.

Understanding the Severity of Periodontal Disease

If your dentist wants you to undergo scaling and root planing treatment, ensure that you follow up with their recommendation. Proper periodontal disease treatment reduces the likelihood of losing your natural teeth as the disease progresses. The more you can do to protect your teeth at an earlier stage of periodontal disease, the better.

Jacobs and Thatcher Dentistry provides general dentistry services, restorative dentistry services, cosmetic dentistry services, dental implants and more to the Sun City Center area of Florida. Providing great patient care is their ultimate goal.