What is a Periodontal Scaling and Root Planing?
A scaling and root planing is designed to clear away debris and buildup from below the gum line. If you have gum disease, small pockets form between the teeth and the gums. These pockets are difficult to clean on your own, even with the best powered toothbrush. To prevent the disease from progressing, we can clean out these pockets with a deeper dental cleaning known as a scaling and root planing.
Why would a Periodontal Scaling and Root Planing be needed?
The reason you need to have a scaling and root planing done is because you have gum disease. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss, and it affects nearly half of all adults who are over the age of 30. In order to prevent eventual tooth loss and disease complications, we can clean around each tooth deeply to remove buildup. This allows the gums to heal on their own, preventing the disease from getting worse.
Who is a candidate for a Periodontal Scaling and Root Planing?
The most common signs of gum disease include bleeding and swollen gums as well as persistent bad breath. Over time, you may even notice that one or more of your teeth is slightly loose, which is a sign that the disease has progressed far below the gum line. We can check for gum disease in our office by measuring the depth of these gingival pockets. If you have gum disease, it is crucially important that it be treated as soon as possible.
What happens during a typical Periodontal Scaling and Root Planing?
The scaling and root planing cleaning is performed by our licensed dental hygienist. We first numb one whole side of the mouth and then the hygienist gets to work cleaning around the teeth. The instruments the hygienist uses will be utilized slightly below the gum line, which helps to clear out the debris in these areas. Once the gums are cleaned, the roots are smoothed to help the gums heal more closely to them. You will then need to come back in for a second appointment to have the other side of the mouth treated in the exact same way.
If you think you might need a periodontal scaling and root planing, call our office today to make an appointment with one of our friendly staff members.