07 Sep What Is Scaling and Root Planing Cleaning?
What Is Scaling and Root Planing Cleaning?
Periodontal disease, more commonly known as gum disease, is a genuine problem affecting millions of adults at any given time. Gum disease occurs when gums become chronically inflamed and infected. Although quite a few factors can lead to gum disease, poor dental hygiene is one of the main causes of this common condition.
Every time you eat, food particles can become trapped in your mouth around your teeth and gums. If they are not properly cleaned, it can lead to the development of a sticky substance called plaque. Eventually, this plaque develops into a harder form called tartar. This condition is favorable for bacteria to thrive, as it secretes damaging acids that lead to cavities and gum disease.
Over time, plaque can form under your gums, leading to the inflammation of the bones surrounding and supporting your teeth. Eventually, gum disease can progress into periodontitis, leading to significant discomfort and problems like receding gums, bone deterioration, and even tooth loss.
What is scaling and root planing?
If you are dealing with gum disease, your dentist may recommend that you undergo a scaling and root planing cleaning treatment. This is a type of deep cleaning that is very helpful for removing accumulations of plaque and tartar from the surfaces of the teeth and the roots under the gums.
The frequency of scaling and root planing treatments depends upon your individual condition and the progression of your gum disease. It may be performed only once, or regularly.
Scaling and root planing may be necessary for the following conditions:
Loose teeth.
Gums are receding.
Chronic gum tissue inflammation.
Tartar or calculus spreads to teeth roots.
What To Expect
If you have the symptoms of gum disease, it is important to seek treatment soon. The good news is that, when caught early, gum disease is treatable and reversible. If you wait too long, it can progress into a more serious form, which becomes irreversible.
To begin, your dentist will conduct a comprehensive examination, including the inspection of your gums, mouth, and jaw bone to determine if scaling and root planing is the appropriate treatment for you. If so, you’ll be scheduled to undergo the treatment soon.
The basic procedure is as follows:
You’ll be given an anesthetic to ensure your comfort during the procedure.
Your dentist will use an ultrasonic scaler to remove plaque and tartar from the surfaces of your teeth, as well as the roots and under the gum line.
Your dentist will smooth the roots of your teeth using a scaling tool, which encourages the reattachment of your gums to your teeth. Smoothing the gums also discourages bacteria from thriving there.
Your dentist may follow up your scaling and root planing procedure by performing treatments like irrigation using antibiotics to reduce bacterial growth in your mouth. If you have serious gum disease, pocket depth reduction surgery may also be recommended to reduce the spread of bacteria and prevent bone loss.