Importance Of Scaling And Root Planing In Treating Gum Disease

If your dentist has told you that you have gum disease, they have probably discussed a detailed treatment plan. One of the first suggested steps may often include scaling and root planing. But what is this, and how will it help treat your gum disease? Here is some information to ease any fears about this treatment you may have and get you on the road to recovery.

What Is Gum Disease?

Periodontal or gum disease is a severe infection of your gum tissues. Left untreated, it can lead to gum damage and tooth loss, destroying the bones that support your teeth. 

Gum disease is largely preventable. Poor oral hygiene is often the culprit. Inadequate brushing or flossing allows a sticky bacteria film, or plaque, to attach to your teeth, build up, and harden. Once plaque hardens, it becomes tartar and cannot be removed by brushing and flossing alone.

Signs of gum disease include:

• Red, swollen, or irritated gums
• Painful, tender, or bleeding gums
• Receding gums
• Loose teeth

During your exam, your dentist will also measure the depth of the pockets surrounding your teeth. Deep pocket signal areas where your gum tissues have separated from your teeth. It is in these pockets where bacteria accumulate and grow.

What Is Scaling and Root Planing?

Because tartar cannot be removed by brushing and flossing alone, one of the first things your dentist will do is professionally clean your teeth. This cleaning allows for the removal of plaque and tartar. Unfortunately, this cleaning is often not enough depending on the severity of your plaque and tartar.

Scaling is a deeper cleaning or scraping of your tartar or calculus your dentist performs under local anesthetic. Scaling removes more plaque and tartar above and below your gum line than routine cleaning. The procedure allows your dentist or hygienist to clean deeper sensitive areas they would not be able to clean with the anesthetic.

Bacteria can also cause pitting on your teeth. These pits or rough spots become perfect places for bacteria to grow. Planing smooths these rough spots, removes the bacteria, and creates a clean, smooth surface that promotes healthy reattachment of your gums.

Because of the depth of cleaning that is often needed to address gum disease, scaling and planing can leave you slightly uncomfortable for a few days following the procedures. Because of the level of discomfort, many dentists will only scale or plane one-half or one-quarter of your mouth at the time. 

Your dentist may also provide instructions for you for a few days following your procedures. These instructions will tell you what to eat and drink and how to care for your oral tissues. 

For more information about gum disease treatment, contact a local company.