Everything You Need to Know About Periodontal Scaling and Root Planing

Periodontal scaling and root planing is an essential dental procedure that helps to prevent gum disease and the loss of teeth. It is the most effective way to stop the progression of gum disease and help restore the health of your gums.

During the procedure, the dentist removes plaque and tartar buildup all around your teeth and below the gum line. The dentist may also smooth rough spots on the root surfaces of your teeth to help your gums reattach to them.

After the procedure, your gums should become healthier, and your teeth should feel cleaner and stronger. If you suffer from gum disease and want to improve your oral health, periodontal scaling and root planing may be the right choice.

This article will provide everything you need to know about this procedure, from what to expect during the appointment to the potential benefits and risks.

What are Periodontal Scaling and Root Planing?

Periodontal scaling and root planing is a procedure used to treat gum disease. It is the most common treatment used to prevent periodontal disease and the loss of teeth.

With periodontal scaling and planing, the dentist will remove the plaque and tartar that have built up on the surfaces and crevices of your teeth. The dentist will also scrape away tartar built up below the gumline.

The root surfaces of your teeth may also be smoothed to help your gums reattach to them. After the procedure, your gums should become healthier, and your teeth should feel cleaner and stronger.

What to Expect During the Procedure

A dental hygienist usually does this procedure. It will take around 30 minutes to an hour to complete. First, the hygienist will apply a special solution to your teeth and surrounding gums to keep them numb for the procedure. You may also be given a topical anesthetic to numb your gums.

Then, the hygienist will use special scalers to scrape away plaque and tartar from the tooth surfaces and below the gum line. After that, the hygienist will use special tools to smoothen the root surfaces of your teeth.

If you have any loose teeth or gum disease, the hygienist may remove extra gum tissue to help the teeth reattach to the gums. The hygienist may also go through your teeth and remove any small tartar spots missed.

Benefits of Periodontal Scaling and Root Planing

• It effectively removes plaque and tartar buildup that leads to gum disease.
• It helps prevent the loss of teeth due to gum disease.
• Allowing gum disease to progress untreated can lead to bone loss and tooth loss.
• It helps prevent the need for more severe gum diseases treatments such as periodontal surgery or dental implants.
• It can also improve your oral health and the health of your gums.
• It can help improve the taste and texture of your teeth.

Risks and Complications of Periodontal Scaling and Root Planing

Like all dental procedures, some risks and complications are associated with periodontal scaling and root planing. Some of the most common include:

Tooth sensitivity

You may experience a temporary increase in tooth sensitivity after the procedure. This can usually be treated using over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen.

Gum irritation

Your gums may be irritated for a few days after the procedure. You may need to follow a special diet and care for your gums to help them heal.

Delay in healing

The healing time for the gums and teeth may be slightly longer than usual after the procedure. You may need to take antibiotics to prevent or treat an infection.

Loose teeth

The procedure may lead to the loosening of the teeth, particularly for those with gum disease.

Damage to adjacent teeth

The procedure may accidentally remove more gum tissue than intended. This can leave adjacent teeth more exposed than usual, increasing the risk of tooth damage.

Recovery and Aftercare

The length of recovery and aftercare will depend on the severity of your gum disease and how many teeth you received treatment for. Some people can return to work the same day as the procedure, while others may need to take a few days off.

You must avoid chewing on the side that received treatment for the first 24 hours. You will also likely need to take antibiotics to prevent or treat an infection. If you receive treatment for gum disease, you will likely need to follow a special diet and take care of your gums to help them heal.

You will likely notice an improvement in your oral health within a few weeks after the procedure. Your gums should become healthier and less swollen, and your teeth should feel cleaner and stronger.

The procedure may also help prevent the need for more severe gum diseases treatments such as periodontal surgery or dental implants.

Alternatives to Periodontal Scaling and Root Planing

Periodontal scaling and root planing are the most common procedures to treat gum disease. However, some people may not be suitable for scaling and root planing due to certain medical conditions, medications, pregnancy, or other risk factors.

In this case, your dentist may recommend an alternative treatment like laser therapy, antibiotics, or regenerative therapy. These may be more suitable for your situation. Laser therapy uses a light beam to kill bacteria and reduce swelling in the gums.

Antibiotics are used to kill the bacteria in the gum pockets and surrounding areas. Regenerative therapy uses a small probe to cut away the gum tissue and reduce inflammation in the gums. It also stimulates the growth of new tissue to help the gums reattach to the teeth.

Long-Term Effects of Periodontal Scaling and Root Planing

Periodontal scaling and root planing is a very effective way to treat gum disease, prevent teeth loss, and improve oral health. If you are suffering from gum disease and want to improve your oral health, scaling and root planing may be the right choice for you.

This procedure is very effective at removing plaque and tartar buildup that leads to gum disease and helps prevent the loss of teeth. It also helps to improve your oral health and the health of your gums.

Visit Your Dentist At A.R.C. Dental Health Now!

If you’re looking for a way to check your teeth, A.R.C. Dental Clinic is the place to go. Not only do we have the most advanced technology at our disposal, but we are also dedicated to providing exceptional treatment. As such, there is no better way to enjoy your favorite treats than by visiting us!

We have everything you need to make any visit enjoyable, including comfortable chairs and warm smiles to greet you whenever you walk through our doors. We also treat all our patients like family (because they are), so you can rest assured that we will go above and beyond to ensure you are happy and comfortable throughout every visit.

We also deliver the finest dental experience possible at ARC Dental Health by getting to know the person behind the smile. We make the following guarantees to each of our patients:

• To treat you as you would want to be treated.
• To be considerate of your time.
• Our therapy will be minimally invasive and cautious.
• Not only will we give treatment, but we will also share our dentistry expertise with you.
• To provide you with the knowledge you need to keep your teeth and smile healthy for a lifetime.

Meet the team if you want to get to know us! You can also look at our services to see which dental treatments are available in our clinic. You can visit us at 1000 Lakes Dr., # 405, West Covina, CA 91790, USA.Book an appointment with us now!

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