Scaling and root planning is a process with many different names: conventional periodontal therapy, non-surgical periodontal therapy, deep cleaning. Whatever you decide to call it, it is the process of removing dental plaque and calculus in order to restore health to the tissues that surround and support the teeth. It is one of the most effective ways to treat gum disease.
When is scaling and root planing necessary?
Every year, the dental hygienist uses a special tool to measure pockets: this tells us how far your gums have pulled away from your teeth. If pockets are deep or roots have tartar on them, this deep-cleaning treatment is necessary.
What can be expected with this treatment?
Scaling and root planing cleans between the gums and teeth all the way down to the base of the pocket along the roots. Your dental hygenist uses periodontal scalers and periodontal curettes to accomplish this deep cleaning. A local anesthetic may be needed to numb your gums and the roots of your teeth. We also offer a numbing rinse called dyclonine to this as well.
Depending on the depth of cleaning required, an ultrasonic tool may be used. It is not as uncomfortable as the scalers and curettes used to remove plaque and tartar from the roots of your teeth.
Is the treatment painful?
If anesthesia is used for root planing and scaling, your lips and gums may be numb for a few hours. This process causes little if any discomfort to our patients.
How well does scaling and root planing work?
If you will brush and floss regularly following your procedure, your gum disease should reverse or at least stabilize. The tissues that surround and support your teeth and gums will heal and be firm and pink again.
If you use tobacco, stop. Smoking and chewing tobacco prevents your body’s ability to fight infection and heal quickly. Find out more on the health hazards of tobacco use here: http://www.webmd.com/smoking-cessation/default.htm
Are there any risks involved?
Harmful bacteria can be introduced into the bloodstream because of this deep-cleaning process. It is possible that gum tissue can become infected. If your condition is severe or infections are dangerous to you, you may need to take antibiotics before and after treatment. Talk with your dentist before treatment if you:
- Have heart problems
- Have an impaired immune system
- Have had major surgery
- Have man-made body parts, such as a hip replacement or heart valve
Scaling and root planing stops gum disease. Keeping your teeth and gums healthy can lower your risk of gum disease in the first place. Schedule your checkup with Sherwood Dental today. Call (780) 464-4166 and stop gum disease in its tracks!
