Periodontal Scaling and Root Planing
What is a Scaling and Root Planing?
Gum disease affects billions of people worldwide and is the leading cause of tooth and bone loss. Unfortunately, one in every two patients over the age of 30 has some form of gum disease. Gum disease occurs when poor oral hygiene affects the health of your gums. The gums begin to separate from the teeth, causing small craters where debris, plaque and bacteria can thrive. A scaling and root planing is needed to clean between the teeth and gums in these pockets.
Why is a Scaling and Root Planing needed?
Without a scaling and root planing, gum disease often progresses. For aggressive gum disease, you might begin to lose teeth and bone matter in just a few years. Gum disease is relentless in that cleaning properly at home often isn’t enough to stop its progression. A scaling and root planing can be thought of as a deeper dental cleaning because it simply goes further down beneath the gums.
Who’s a candidate for a Scaling and Root Planing?
Any patient who has gum disease can and should consider having a scaling and root planing done. The procedure is performed by a licensed dental hygienist who will clean the teeth of any tartar or plaque buildup. Along with cleaning the surface of the teeth, the hygienist goes further down between the gum and tooth. This allows the professional to carefully clean out these pockets and prevent further infection of the gum tissue. We can measure your gum pockets during a regular checkup appointment to see if you have gum disease.
What happens during a Scaling and Root Planing?
Local anesthetic is used to numb one whole side of the mouth. The hygienist then gets to work in using special tools to clean the teeth and go below the gums. These small pockets are cleaned of any tartar and debris. The roots of your teeth will then be smoothed carefully so that the gums have a chance to heal more closely to them. You will then need to come in for a second appointment for the other side of your mouth to be treated.
If you need a scaling and root planing or want to know more about this procedure, call us today and we can help to get you in for an appointment.