What Is Scaling and Root Planing?

When your dentist recommends that you get your teeth scaled, the procedure is usually performed with root planing. These procedures are traditionally known as deep cleaning for treating a chronic periodontal disease, which is also known as gum disease. This therapy is more in-depth than typical teeth cleaning.

Scaling and root planing requires multiple visits to the dentist's office. The dentist will administer anesthesia during the procedure after considering the severity of the periodontal disease and if you are affected by receding gums. Recovering from this deep cleaning therapy is generally a few days but may take longer.

When Is Teeth Scaling Needed?

If you are displaying signs of chronic periodontal disease, the dentist in Fort Valley, GA, recommends teeth scaling, and rootplaning. These procedures help inhibit the harmful effects of gum disease to keep your mouth healthy.

Chronic gum disease occurs when the microorganisms in the plaque cause your gums to recede from your teeth. The recession causes large pockets to form between your teeth and gums, where more bacteria can populate as you cannot reach them with brushing at home. It is the reason why flossing regularly is vital to reach spaces where your toothbrush can't.

When chronic periodontal disease is not treated promptly, it can lead to loose teeth, moving teeth, tooth loss, and tissue and bone loss. Over 50% of the population of the United States are affected by chronic periodontal disease because of poor dental hygiene, hormonal changes, poor nutrition, genetic conditions, other medical issues, aging, and smoking.

You will experience deep pockets between your gums and teeth when you have chronic periodontal disease and may also be affected by symptoms like bleeding gums, bad breath, changes in your bite, inflamed, red or tender gums, and shifting permanent teeth.

The Procedure Of Scaling and Root Planing

The dentist in Fort Valley performs scaling and root planing at the dentist's office as an outpatient procedure. You must schedule one or more appointments for this therapy, depending on the severity of your condition. You may or may not be administered a local anesthetic when the treatment is performed. You must discuss with the dentist if you are concerned about pain during the procedure.

The dentist will initially scale your teeth by scraping away the plaque from the surfaces of your teeth and in any large pockets that have already formed between the teeth and gums. Root planing will be performed after the scaling to smooth your gums and reattach them to your teeth. Your dentist may recommend additional treatments after looking at the condition of your teeth and gums. Antimicrobial agents will be used in your mouth during the procedure, or the dentist may prescribe oral antibiotics for healing for several days.

Dentists recommend full mouth disinfection after the therapy, which is considered as the gold standard for treating chronic periodontal disease.