A Guide to Periodontal Scaling and Root Planing: What You Need to Know

Periodontal scaling and root planing is a common and effective dental procedure used to treat gum disease. It is a form of deep cleaning that removes plaque and tartar buildup from the surfaces of your teeth and gums, preventing the further progression of gum disease.

For individuals with severe gum disease, this treatment may be necessary to restore the health of their gums and teeth.

Through this guide, you will learn the basics of periodontal scaling and root planing, including what to expect during the procedure, the benefits of this treatment, and the associated risks. With a better understanding of periodontal scaling and root planing, you can make an informed decision about whether this is the proper treatment for you.

What Is Periodontal Scaling And Root Planing?

Periodontal scaling and root planing (often abbreviated "scaling and root planing" or "S&RP") is a procedure in which plaque and tartar are removed from the surfaces of the teeth and gums. It is a form of dental hygiene essential for preventing and treating gum disease.

It is a relatively simple procedure often performed by a dentist or dental hygienist in a dental office. Periodontal scaling and root planing is an effective dental procedure that removes plaque and tartar from the surfaces of your teeth and gums.

Plaque is a sticky substance that forms on teeth as food and bacteria break down. If left untreated, plaque can harden into tartar and create harmful pockets between teeth and gums.

These pockets are breeding grounds for bacteria, which can lead to various oral diseases, including periodontal disease. With scaling and root planing, a dentist or dental hygienist removes plaque and tartar around the teeth and below the gum line. This removes harmful bacteria and allows your gums to recuperate.

What to Expect During the Procedure

Periodontal scaling and root planing are usually performed under local anesthesia, probably an anesthetic gel. Typically, the dentist will first numb the gums before beginning the scaling procedure.

If you receive an anesthetic, the dentist will use a rubber dam to isolate the area for the procedure. The dentist will use special tools to clean around the teeth, removing plaque and tartar buildup.

Scaling and root planning are often performed with a hand scaler, a small instrument similar to a small spoon. The hand scaler is used to scrape off plaque and tartar from the tooth and tooth root. The dentist may also use a root scaling instrument to remove plaque below the gum line.

Benefits of Periodontal Scaling and Root Planing

Periodontal scaling and root planing are beneficial dental procedures for treating severe gum disease. It can also help prevent tooth loss due to gum disease. This procedure is typically used to treat more advanced forms of gum disease, such as chronic periodontitis.

There are many benefits to periodontal scaling and root planing, including:

It treats a variety of oral diseases.

Severe gum disease can lead to tooth loss, but scaling and root planing can reverse the process, allowing the gums to recover.

It helps prevent tooth loss.

When left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss. But scaling and root planing can prevent this by treating gum disease early on.

It removes harmful bacteria from the mouth.

Bacteria from plaque buildup on teeth and gums can cause harmful oral diseases, but the bacteria are removed with periodontal scaling and root planing.

Risks Associated With Periodontal Scaling And Root Planing

Although periodontal scaling and root planing is an effective procedure for treating gum disease, it does come with some risks. Some of these risks include:

Swelling, bleeding, and pain after the procedure.

Swelling and bleeding are common side effects following the procedure, but they should go away within a few hours. In some cases, swelling may last up to a week.

Damage to the tooth root.

The hand scaler is used to scrape off plaque and tartar below the gum line. It is essential to monitor your gums during the procedure to identify any infections. If there is swelling, it may indicate that you have an infection. In this case, the scaling procedure should be stopped, and you should be treated with antibiotics.

Infection.

In some cases, the scaling procedure may cause an infection. It may indicate infection if you experience swelling in the gums following the procedure.

How to Prepare for the Procedure

Before undergoing periodontal scaling and root planing, you should speak with your dentist about your medical history to determine if the procedure is correct for you.

This will help your dentist determine what type of anesthesia to use and the precautions to follow before the procedure. 

There are different degrees of severity for gum disease, and your dentist can make a recommendation based on your condition. If you are pregnant or have diabetes, you may need to wait to undergo scaling and root planing until after you have given birth or have treated your diabetes.

If you have a heart condition, you may need to delay the scaling and root planing procedure until your condition has been treated. Certain medications may also cause your dentist to recommend waiting until you have withdrawn from the medication before performing the scaling.

Recovery Tips After the Procedure

After undergoing periodontal scaling and root planing, taking care of your mouth is essential to promote healing. The following tips can help you recover more quickly:

Use mouthwash

After the procedure, it is important to use mouthwash to kill any remaining bacteria in the mouth.

Brushing and flossing

You should also brush your teeth and gums with the recommended technique. In addition, floss daily to remove any remaining bacteria in between teeth.

Avoid smoking

Smoking can slow down the healing process, so it is essential to refrain from smoking after the procedure.

Eat healthfully

You can also eat vegetables and fruits that have anti-inflammatory properties, such as broccoli and blueberries.

Alternatives to Periodontal Scaling and Root Planing

Other procedures can be used to treat gum diseases, such as laser gum therapy and gum grafting. However, these procedures may be more invasive and costly than scaling and root planing.

The type of procedure used will depend on the severity of the gum disease and your medical history. Your dentist can recommend the best procedure for you, and you can decide if scaling and root planing are right for you.

When Should You Go To A Dentist For Periodontal Scaling And Root Planing?

Periodontal scaling and root planing is a standard dental procedure for treating gum disease. It is usually performed when gum disease has become severe and is no longer treatable with regular brushing and flossing.

If you have noticed signs of gum disease, such as bleeding while you brush or floss, it is a good indication that you may need scaling and root planing. You may also benefit from scaling and root planing if you have yet to practice good oral hygiene.

Regular brushing and flossing can prevent gum disease from progressing, but if you have skipped these activities, scaling and root planing can reverse the process and promote healing.

Takeaway

Periodontal scaling and root planing are common dental procedures used to treat gum disease. It is a form of dental hygiene that removes plaque and tartar buildup from the surfaces of teeth and gums, preventing the further progression of gum disease.

For individuals with severe gum disease, this treatment may be necessary to restore the health of their gums and teeth. Through this guide, you will learn the basics of periodontal scaling and root planing, including what to expect during the procedure, the benefits of this treatment, and the associated risks.

With a better understanding of periodontal scaling and root planing, you can make an informed decision about whether this is the proper treatment for your needs.

Make an Appointment With Belvedere Family Dentistry for your Dental Care

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