Basics of Scaling and Root Planing

The purpose of scaling and root planing is to clean plaque from below the gumline and to smooth the surface of the tooth. The deep cleaning is usually done as part of the treatment for periodontitis, or gum disease, to restore health to the affected area. While dentists can deep clean the whole mouth in a single visit, they typically recommend doing one quadrant of the mouth at a time.

Scaling can be done one of two ways. The first way is with hand-held instruments. Dentists use an implement that looks like a small hook to manually remove the plaque. The second is with ultrasonic instruments that utilize a vibrating metal tip and cool spray of water.

With root planing, dentists use the small hook to go under the gumline. The purpose here is to smooth out the surface of the tooth so the gums can reattach to it. The process also removes any lingering bacteria.

Physical Sensations of Scaling and Root Planing

You may still be worried about the procedure, but scaling is not painful or even particularly unpleasant. Try scratching your tooth lightly with your nail. The scaling process will require just a little more pressure than that. Also, your dentist or hygienist has a lot of experience, so they'll only be scaling the pertinent areas.

The root planing does go under the gumline, so you should expect more sensation from that procedure. Under normal circumstances, pressing against your gums in that manner shouldn't be painful. Unfortunately, dentists usually recommend deep cleaning when your gums are showing signs of periodontitis, which can make your gums more sensitive.

Luckily, your dentist can prescribe a local anesthesia similar to ones used when filling a cavity. With local anesthesia, you should experience no discomfort during the procedure. Pain after the procedure is rare and is usually described as weak to mild. Your dentist may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers or a desensitizing toothpaste.

Importance of Deep Cleaning

Scaling and Root Planing are important steps of deep cleaning to protect against plaque and treat gum disease. Plaque is a sticky substance that harbors bacteria. When it grows beneath the gum line, it causes pockets between the gum and tooth. These pockets are filled with bacteria, which cause inflammation of the gums and results in periodontitis.

Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease that leads to periodontitis. It starts out as swollen, tender gums that bleed easily during brushing. Left untreated, the plaque works its way under the gums and causes the pockets. When the pockets are four millimeters or greater in depth, dentists recommend the deep cleaning to restore health to the gums.

When periodontitis is left untreated, it can result in receding gums and damage to the tooth and even underlying bone structure. You can ultimately lose the affected teeth. Some research has also suggested that the bacteria found in the plaque can enter your bloodstream through the gum tissue. Once the bacteria is in your bloodstream, other areas of your body can be affected.

Preventing Periodontitis

Naturally, your best bet is to avoid periodontitis in the first place. Some factors you can't control, such as genetics and certain medications that can lead to periodontitis. But good oral hygiene is your best first defense. If you start to see signs of gingivitis, visit your dentist for deep cleaning treatment before it has time to develop into periodontitis.

If you do undergo scaling and root planing, follow your dentist's aftercare instructions. Typically, these steps will include basic good oral hygiene - brushing twice a day and flossing once daily.

Have your teeth deep cleaned as part of the treatment of your periodontitis. Discuss all your treatment options with University Dental PA.