Your dentist offers many services and cleaning options but do you know what scaling and root planing is? Also known as deep cleaning, dentists use this technique to help prevent or heal the mouth from gum disease. Here is a breakdown of more info on scaling and root planing.
What Is The Purpose Of Scaling And Root Planing?
Scaling is when your dentist removes all the plaque and tartar above and below the gum line. The dentist makes sure to clean all the way down to the bottom of the pocket and then will begin root planing which is the smoothing out of your teeth roots to help your gums reattach to your teeth. This process may take more than one visit to complete and oftentimes is completed with anesthetic.
Why Do I Need It?
Scaling and root planing can help prevent gum disease. Plaque is always building up on your teeth but without proper cleaning the bacteria in the plaque can cause your gums to become inflamed. Once your gums become inflamed your gums will start to pull away from your teeth and form paces called pockets. Plaque then gets trapped in these pockets and cannot be removed with brushing which creates the need for dental intervention.
If bacteria and gum disease goes untreated it can lead to bone and tooth loss. Scaling and Root Planing is needed when the pockets are too deep. For those who suffer from chronic periodontitis which affects 47.2% of adults over the age of 30 in the U.S. If you have experienced bone or tissue loss, loose teeth or moving teeth you should talk to your dentist about scaling and tooth planing.
After Care Tips
After this process you may experience some pain for a day or two and some tooth sensitivity. After scaling and root planing your gums may be swollen, feel tender or bleed. To prevent infection and help you heal faster your dentist could provide a pill or mouth rinse or may even insert medication directly into the pocket that was cleaned.
You will also need to come back in after the procedure to check on the healing process and check if the pockets have gotten deeper. If so, more treatment may be needed. Keeping up with good oral hygiene at home is important to keep gum disease from becoming more serious or reoccurring. Using a soft brush to clean between your teeth and avoid using tobacco. Make sure to check in with your dentist regularly to keep up on care.
Care At Sunset Dental
Your oral care is obviously our top priority. We offer many services including preventive dental care to help prevent gum disease. We have worked with many different clients with all kinds of genetics. We can treat all patients and help prevent more painful treatment in the future. Contact our office in Sunset, UT to schedule an appointment today.