Scaling and root planning is a dental treatment we use to arrest gum disease. It makes it possible for us to remove tartar and plaque for better gum health. The following information will give you more details on what is involved in this type of treatment.
What Is Scaling and Root Planing?
Scaling and root planing is done to remove the tartar and plaque below the patient’s gum line and to smooth the root so it will reattach itself to the tooth. While the scaling is performed to get rid of the calculus (tartar) and plaque, the planing is done to smooth the root. While a professional cleaning can take care of the early stages of gum disease, scaling and root planing is done when the pockets between the gums are deeper than normal.
How Is Scaling and Root Planing Performed?
To deep clean the gums in this manner, we must use two steps. As noted, scaling cleans away plaque and tartar (first phase) while planing is done to smooth out the roots. When scaling is done, the cleaning goes to the bottom of a pocket. After undergoing the procedure, you will have pain for a day or two. Your gums will also feel tender and will bleed. To control the discomfort and prevent an infection, we add subantimicrobial-dose doxycycline into the pockets that are cleaned. After a scaling and root planing, we normally schedule another appointment to check on the progress. The depth of the gingival pockets will be checked. If they are deeper, we may have to schedule an additional time for another scaling and root planing appointment.
Good dental care should always be followed at home. If your gums are currently bleeding or in any way unhealthy, you need to call our office now. By eating a balanced and healthy diet, brushing your teeth twice daily, and quitting tobacco, you will make any appointments to our office less costly, in terms of financially and orally, and more positive.
