Periodontal Scaling and Root Planing
What is a Periodontal Scaling and Root Planing?
Gum disease is incredibly common, with nearly half of all adults over the age of 30 having it to some degree. Unfortunately, gum disease can lead to bad breath, inflammation, infection, tooth loss and bone loss. In order to prevent progression of the disease, we are able to perform a scaling and root planing. This deep cleaning is performed by a hygienist who will clear away plaque and debris from below the gum line.
Why would a Periodontal Scaling and Root Planing be needed?
As gum disease starts, the tissues around the teeth separate. This causes pocketing to form, allowing for debris, plaque and tartar to become lodged inside of these areas. This debris and bacteria further progresses the disease, eventually leading to tooth loss. Because it’s nearly impossible to clean out this pocketing on your own, a scaling and root planing is performed to clear away the debris from below the gums.
Who is a candidate for a Periodontal Scaling and Root Planing?
Some of the most common signs of gum disease include persistent bad breath, gum swelling and bleeding when brushing and flossing. We can check your gums for signs of the disease by measuring the pockets around the teeth. If the pocketing is deeper than about 3mm, we may recommend that you have a deep periodontal cleaning performed in our office. It is important to treat gum disease as early on as possible.
What happens during a Periodontal Scaling and Root Planing?
We begin by numbing one whole side of your mouth. This helps to improve your comfort during the cleaning. Our hygienist will then use special tools to clear away hardened plaque and debris from above and below the gum’s surface. The roots of the teeth are carefully planed, or smoothed, so that the gums can heal closely to the teeth themselves. You’ll then come back in to have the other side of your mouth treated in a similar way.
If you’d like to learn more about scaling and root planings, call our office to speak with one of our friendly staff members. We have conveniently low office wait times and take a one-on-one approach to your dental care.