Frequently Asked Questions About Scaling and Root Planing

You may have experienced many professional dental cleanings over the years without even hearing about the procedure known as scaling and root planing. This more advanced form of teeth cleaning can help patients with periodontal disease get rid of tartar and bacteria below the gumline, improving their dental health.

If your dentist has informed you that you need scaling and root planing, arm yourself with as much knowledge about this procedure as possible beforehand. Take a look at the answers to these frequently asked questions about root scaling and planing.

Root scaling and planing involves a thorough, deep cleaning of the teeth. The dentist uses a tool called a scaler to remove tartar from the gumline. The dentist then uses additional tools to scrape tartar away from the root surfaces, smoothing and polishing them so that plaque and bacteria have a harder time sticking to them.

Dentists can administer a whole-mouth scaling and root planing or focus on one quadrant of the mouth at a time. If either you or your dentist has concerns about the amount of time and effort in a whole-mouth scaling session, you may end up spreading the treatment over multiple appointments.

When plaque hardens into tartar that brushing and flossing can't remove, professional dental cleaning techniques can remove this substance using tools such as scalers. This tartar removal discourages bacterial infiltration and reduces your risk of tooth decay. Occasionally, however, tartar extends below the gumline.

When tartar below the gumline attracts bacteria, a serious condition called periodontal disease can develop. Your immune system reacts to the bacteria by creating inflammation. This inflammation can weaken and damage the gum tissues that anchor the teeth in the jaw. Untreated periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss.

Because scaling and root planing requires a more invasive approach than a normal cleaning, your dentist will use a local anesthetic to numb your mouth before beginning the procedure. The first stage involves a vibrating ultrasonic scaler and water-sparing device to remove surface tartar and cleanse the gum pockets.

In the next stage, the dentist uses manual scalers and scrapers to expose the tooth roots inside the gum pockets and scrape away tartar on the root surfaces. Root planing then discourages new tartar buildup and helps gum tissue reattach to the roots. Your gum pockets may also receive an antibiotic gel to prevent infection.

You can expect to experience some gum swelling, bleeding, and discomfort immediately after a scaling and root planing session. You can reduce your discomfort during this period by taking over-the-counter medications, avoiding hard or crunchy foods, and staying away from cold or hot menu items.

Your dentist may have you return to the office a few weeks later for a follow-up exam. During this exam, the dentist will measure the size of your gum pockets, comparing them to their preoperative size. If your periodontal disease has continued to worsen, you might need tissue grafting or pocket reduction surgery.

Periodontal disease can trouble you on a chronic basis. Even after you've successfully reduced your gum pockets, you must practice diligence to keep your periodontal disease at bay. Brush and floss thoroughly, sterilize your mouth with a prescription mouthwash if necessary, and obey your dental checkup schedule.

If your teeth and gums need professional attention to help stop periodontal disease in its tracks, come to the experts at Rabel Family Dentistry. In addition to deep-cleaning techniques such as scaling and root planing, we provide regular preventative dental care for the entire family. Contact our clinic today.