When gum disease progresses beyond its earliest stage, brushing, flossing, and a regular dental cleaning may no longer be enough to remove the bacteria hiding beneath the gumline. That is where scaling and root planing can play an important role.
Often referred to as a deep cleaning, scaling and root planing is a non-surgical treatment used to help control gum disease and protect the tissues and bone that support your teeth.
Gum disease begins when plaque, a sticky film containing bacteria, builds up around the teeth and gums. If plaque is not removed, it can harden into tartar, also called calculus.
As inflammation develops, the gums can begin to pull away from the teeth, creating spaces known as periodontal pockets. These pockets can trap bacteria and tartar below the gumline, where regular brushing and flossing cannot reach.
Without treatment, the infection and inflammation can damage the gum tissue and bone supporting the teeth. Over time, teeth may become loose and, in advanced cases, may eventually be lost.
Scaling and root planing is designed to thoroughly clean below the gumline.
Scaling removes plaque and tartar from the tooth surfaces, including areas beneath the gums.
Root planing smooths and cleans the root surfaces of the teeth. This helps remove bacterial deposits and creates a cleaner surface against which the gums can heal.
Depending on the extent of gum disease, treatment may be completed in sections of the mouth and local anesthetic may be used to keep you comfortable.
The goal of scaling and root planing is to control the infection and inflammation before additional damage occurs. Treatment can help:
Reduce harmful bacteria below the gumline
Remove tartar that cannot be removed with brushing or flossing
Reduce gum inflammation and bleeding
Help periodontal pockets become healthier
Protect the bone and tissues supporting your teeth
Slow or stop the progression of periodontal disease
Reduce the risk of tooth loss
The earlier gum disease is identified and treated, the better the opportunity to protect your natural teeth.
After scaling and root planing, your gums may feel tender or sensitive for a short period. As healing occurs, inflammation and bleeding may decrease and the gums may fit more closely around the teeth.
Your dentist or dental hygienist will reassess your gum health to determine how well the tissues have responded. Some patients may require additional periodontal treatment depending on the severity of their gum disease.
Ongoing periodontal maintenance is also important. Gum disease can return or continue to progress if bacteria and tartar are allowed to build up again.
Gum disease does not always cause pain, particularly in its earlier stages. Speak with your dental team if you notice bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, swollen or tender gums, gum recession, loose teeth, or changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite.
Saving your teeth is about more than treating cavities. The gums and bone surrounding your teeth are their foundation. When periodontal disease threatens that foundation, treatments such as scaling and root planing can help control the disease and preserve your oral health.
If you are experiencing signs of gum disease or have been told you have periodontal pockets, Dr. Dimovski Dental can evaluate your gum health and recommend the appropriate treatment to help protect your smile and natural teeth.