Get the Deep Cleaning Your Gums Deserve
If you’re noticing red, swollen, or bleeding gums, it might be time for a deeper level of care.
Scaling and root planing, often referred to as “deep cleaning,” is an essential treatment for patients with gum disease or excessive plaque and tartar buildup. It’s designed to remove harmful bacteria and toxins from below the gumline, preventing further damage and improving your overall oral health.
At Whiteman Dental Associates, we understand that gum disease can feel overwhelming. But with the proper care, it’s completely manageable. Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical treatment that helps you maintain healthy gums and also protects your overall health.
By treating gum disease early, you can prevent tooth loss and more serious complications.
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What is Scaling and Root Planing?
Scaling and root planing is a specialized dental cleaning procedure that goes beyond what a regular cleaning can achieve. It’s designed for patients who have signs of gum disease or significant plaque and tartar buildup below the gumline.
Here’s a breakdown of each part:
Scaling
This is the process of removing plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) from the surfaces of your teeth, including beneath the gumline. Tartar can build up over time and is not something you can remove with regular brushing.
Root Planing
After scaling, the roots of your teeth are smoothed out (or “planed”) to remove any rough spots that may have developed due to gum disease. This helps your gums reattach to your teeth and reduces the risk of further infection.
Unlike regular cleanings, scaling and root planing is a deeper, more thorough treatment aimed at addressing the causes of gum disease and improving gum health.
Why is Scaling and Root Planing Important?
When plaque and tartar build up along and beneath the gumline, it can cause the gums to become inflamed and infected, leading to gum disease.
If untreated, this condition can progress from gingivitis (early gum disease) to periodontitis (advanced gum disease), eventually resulting in tooth loss.
But gum disease doesn’t just affect your mouth. It can also have a significant impact on your overall health.
Research has shown links between gum disease and conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. By addressing gum disease early with scaling and root planing, we can help you avoid more serious health complications down the road.
The Scaling and Root Planing Process
Here’s what to expect:
- Initial Consultation: During your consultation, we’ll assess your oral health and determine if scaling and root planing is necessary. We’ll take X-rays if needed to evaluate the extent of plaque and tartar buildup.
- Local Anesthesia: We’ll numb the treatment area with a local anesthetic to ensure that you’re comfortable throughout the procedure. If your case requires extensive treatment, we may divide the process into multiple sessions.
- Scaling: Using special instruments, we’ll remove all plaque and tartar from the surfaces of your teeth, including below the gumline. This step is crucial for eliminating bacteria and preventing further gum infection.
- Root Planing: After scaling, the roots of your teeth will be smoothed to remove rough patches and promote healing. This makes it harder for plaque to build up and encourages your gums to reattach to your teeth.
- Post-Treatment Care: Once the procedure is completed, we’ll provide aftercare instructions to ensure optimal healing. Follow-up visits may be necessary to monitor progress.
Benefits of Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing offer numerous benefits, including:
- Prevention of Gum Disease: By removing harmful plaque and tartar, scaling and root planing help prevent further progression of gum disease.
- Fresher Breath: Regular cleanings can eliminate the bacteria responsible for bad breath, leaving you with a fresher, cleaner mouth.
- Healthier Gums: Smoothing the roots helps your gums reattach to your teeth, improving gum health and preventing pockets where bacteria can grow.
- Avoid Tooth Loss: Early intervention can help prevent tooth loss caused by gum disease.
- Better Overall Health: By reducing gum disease, you’re also reducing your risk for other health complications.
What to Expect During Your Scaling and Root Planing Appointment
Scaling and root planing is a well-tolerated procedure that is done with your comfort in mind.
Here’s what you can expect during your appointment:
- Before Treatment: We’ll take X-rays and assess the health of your gums. We’ll also discuss any discomfort you may be feeling and address your questions or concerns.
- During Treatment: You’ll receive local anesthesia to numb the treated areas. Some patients may experience mild pressure, but the procedure itself should be painless.
- After Treatment: You may experience some mild discomfort, gum tenderness, or slight swelling, but this should subside within a few days. We’ll give you aftercare instructions and may suggest a follow-up visit.
Aftercare and Healing
After your scaling and root planing treatment, your gums may feel tender or slightly sore. To promote healing and avoid complications, follow these aftercare tips:
- Brush carefully around the treated areas to avoid irritation. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Rinsing with warm saltwater can help reduce swelling and discomfort.
- Smoking can interfere with gum healing, so it’s best to avoid it during recovery.
- Be sure to keep your follow-up appointments to ensure your gums are healing properly.
Cost and Insurance Information
The cost of scaling and root planing varies depending on the extent of treatment required.
Many dental insurance plans cover part of the cost, and we’ll work with you to maximize your benefits. If you don’t have insurance or need a payment plan, we offer financing options to make your care more affordable.
Begin Gum Disease Prevention Today
If you’re dealing with gum disease or notice signs like bleeding or swollen gums, it’s time to consider scaling and root planing.
Don’t wait for the problem to get worse: schedule your appointment today and take the first step toward healthier, happier gums.