Dental Scaling and Root planning
Healthy gums are essential for maintaining your oral and dental health. Gum problems may occur when plaque and tartar accumulate on your teeth. Gradually, this accumulation may result in gum disease. Deep cleaning of your teeth is called scaling and root planing
What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is also called gum disease. It affects the gums and supporting bones of teeth. It often begins with gingivitis, where the gums become red and swollen and may bleed due to plaque buildup. If left untreated, it can turn into a more serious condition called periodontitis. During this, the gums pull away from the teeth and form gaps that accumulate bacteria. It can damage the bone and cause tooth loss or even fall out. Poor oral hygiene, smoking, diabetes, certain medicines, and family history can increase the risk of periodontal disease. More serious problems may need deep cleaning or dental procedures to fix the damage and protect your smile.
What is dental scaling and root planing?
Scaling and root planing involves deep cleaning of your gums and teeth. Dentists use it to cure gum disease. It cleans plaque, tartar, and bacteria that are not removed by regular brushing. Jamaica 26 Dentistry provides specialized scaling and root planing services according to your dental health.
Periodontal scaling is also known as dental scaling. Periodontal means the gums that support your teeth. The primary purpose is to brush on the root surfaces of your mouth. It removes the buildup of plaque and tartar that is associated with bacteria. Otherwise, it causes swelling and gum infection. Once cleaned up, your gums will heal and become healthy again.
Why is it needed?
Bacterial infections, plaque and tartar buildup can cause gum disease. If left untreated, it can progress from gingivitis (mild inflammation) to periodontitis (serious gum infection).
- It removes harmful bacteria from below the gumline.
- This treatment also prevents tooth loss.
- It promotes healing of gum tissue.
- It reduces gum inflammation and bleeding.
- It also helps stop gum disease.
When You Need Scaling and Root Planing
The following are the warning signs that indicate you need this procedure:
- Persistent bad breath
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Gums pulling away from the teeth
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Visible tartar deposits
- Deep periodontal pockets greater than 4 mm
Treatment process
Initial Consultation and Examination
Before the scaling and root planing procedure, the dentist examines your mouth. This includes examination of gums for signs of infection and measuring the depth of gum pockets. X-rays are taken to evaluate bone loss around the teeth. This step helps to determine the gum disease and guides the treatment plan
Treatment Planning and Anesthesia
The dentist uses a local anesthetic to numb the gums and surrounding areas for the patient’s comfort. This reduces pain or sensitivity during the deep cleaning. Anesthesia makes a person unconscious and not comfortable throughout the treatment.
Scaling
During scaling, the dentist removes plaque and hard tartar from the tooth surfaces and beneath the gum line. This cleaning is done using specific dental tools or ultrasonic instruments that can reach deep into the pockets between the gums and teeth. Removal of this buildup is necessary to stop the infection from spreading and promote healing.
Root Planing
After scaling, the dentist smooths the roots of the teeth; this is called root planing. This removes bacteria and rough spots that cause plaque buildup. It makes the roots smooth and helps the gums attach tightly to the teeth, and reduces the space between them to prevent bacterial growth.
Medication and Follow-up
After scaling and root planing, the dentist may rinse your mouth with an antibacterial solution and apply antibiotic gels or prescribe oral antibiotics to prevent infection. Mild soreness or sensitivity is normal and usually fades in a few days. A follow-up visit helps in tracking the healing. Maintaining good oral habits and regular dental cleaning helps keep your gums healthy.
Aftercare tips
- Avoid hard or spicy foods.
- Rinse with prescribed mouthwash to reduce inflammation.
- Brush your teeth using a soft-bristle toothbrush.
- Daily flossing
- Regular Dental checkups
Is the procedure painful?
Scaling and root planing is not painful, but some patients may feel a little discomfort. The dentist uses a local anesthetic to numb your gums before treatment for the patient’s comfort. You will not feel pain during the procedure, but will feel a little pressure from the instruments. After the treatment, your gums might feel sore or sensitive for a few days. You may also notice some bleeding or swelling. These symptoms are normal and go away quickly. Over-the-counter pain medicine and a soft diet can help reduce the pain and inflammation
Benefits
- It helps stop gum disease from getting worse
- It reduces gum swelling, redness, and bleeding
- It reduces the spaces between teeth and gums
- It makes your mouth clean and fresh
- It improves breath and overall oral hygiene
- It lowers the risk of tooth loss
- It reduces inflammation and promote better health
Risk and side effects
- Gum tenderness or swelling
- Tooth sensitivity to hot or cold items
- Minor bleeding
- Temporary changes in your teeth fitting
Regular cleaning vs scaling
Regular dental cleaning is also called prophylaxis. It is a basic cleaning of your teeth and gums to keep them healthy. It removes soft plaque and a small amount of tartar from the surface of your teeth and above the gum line. This cleaning is usually done every six months and is best for people who don’t have gum problems.
Scaling is a deep cleaning used when someone has gum disease. It removes plaque and hard tartar from below the gum line and inside the gum pockets. Scaling is part of a treatment called scaling and root planing. It is needed when gums are swollen, bleeding, or pulling away from the teeth.
Cost of scaling and root planing
The cost of dental scaling and root planing varies depending on various factors such as location, the extent of gum disease, and sedation. But, the average cost of scaling and root planing at Jamaica 26 Dentistry is $100 to $300 per quadrant (a quarter of the mouth). Many dental insurance plans partially or fully cover the cost of scaling and root planing when it’s medically necessary.
FAQs
How is it different from regular cleaning?
Regular cleaning removes soft plaque on the gums. Scaling goes deeper, cleaning under the gums to remove hard plaque and treat gum disease that regular cleanings can’t fix.
How long does the procedure take?
It depends on how many teeth need cleaning. The dentist performs one or two visits. Each visit usually takes about 45 minutes to one hour.
What should I avoid after treatment?
Don’t eat hard or spicy food, and don’t brush too hard. Use a soft toothbrush and follow your dentist’s advice for a few days after the treatment.
Will my gums bleed after the procedure?
Yes, your gums may bleed a little and feel sore. This is normal and usually goes away within a few days if you take care of your mouth properly.
How can I prevent needing it again?
Brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily, avoid smoking, and visit your dentist regularly. Keeping your mouth clean helps stop gum disease from coming back.