Scaling and Root Planing for Gum Disease

Scaling and Root Planing for Gum Disease from South Florida Smile Spa, Nicole M. Berger, DDS in Pompano Beach, FLHealthy oral habits can prevent issues that may lead to infections such as gum disease. This problem, also known as gingivitis, can be common in both children and adults; however, if it is left untreated, it may worsen and cause serious discomfort or cause secondary infections within the body. Oral treatments such as scaling and planing can battle gingivitis, help maintain good oral health and prevent future infection. Patients who plan to undergo these processes may feel greater peace of mind understanding what is involved before arriving for an appointment.

What causes gum disease?

Different types of foods and beverages can cause a bacterial film to build around the gumline where the teeth and gums meet. This is a sticky substance called plaque. If proper, regular brushing and flossing are neglected, the plaque can harden and turn into tartar, which can irritate the gums if it is not removed. This inflammation then causes gingivitis. Those who suffer from this issue may experience several different symptoms:

  • Bleeding gums
  • Gum sensitivity
  • Changes to the gingiva color
  • Receding gums

Teeth scaling and root planing can remove stubborn tartar and prevent further infection to improve a patient’s overall oral health.

How is teeth scaling performed?

Individuals with chronic or moderate gingivitis may have a dentist recommend teeth scaling as a tool for cleaning away hardened tartar at the gumline. This process is usually more involved than a simple cleaning and may take longer. Patients may be informed of additional details at the initial consultation.

During the process, a dentist may apply a local numbing agent to the area to reduce discomfort and then use several different scraping tools to remove stubborn tartar. Special attention may be paid to pockets between the teeth and gums, which can form once gingivitis advances to periodontal disease. When food particles become trapped in these pockets, it can contribute to tartar buildup. Pressurized water and ultrasonic tools may also be employed to remove areas of hardened tartar. Root planing may be performed during the same appointment.

What is root planing?

When gum disease is present, this can cause a tooth’s root to detach from the gums and create gaps that collect bacteria and food particles. These spaces can be difficult to reach with regular brushing or flossing and may eventually result in tooth loss. A dentist can attempt to reverse this process with root planing. During this procedure, plaque and tartar are removed with scraping and smoothing tools, which can prevent further infection. The affected roots are then smoothed out so bacteria can no longer collect, which allows the area to heal.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Gum Disease in Pompano Beach, FL.

What post-care actions are needed?

Because scaling and root planing both involve deep-cleaning processes, patients may experience tenderness or soreness at the treated area. Dentists typically recommend continued regular brushing and flossing to keep the area clean. Post-treatment checkups may be scheduled a few weeks after scaling and planing to ensure periodontal pockets are healing as expected.

Conclusion

Gingivitis can advance into serious gum disease when it goes untreated. Teeth scaling and root smoothing can reverse inflammation, bleeding and the eventual tooth loss that often occurs at the final stages of the disease.

Request an appointment or call South Florida Smile Spa, Nicole M. Berger, DDS at 954-395-2419 for an appointment in our Pompano Beach office.

Recent Posts

Routine Dental Checkups Can Help Prevent Gum Disease

Dentists recommend proper oral hygiene from a young age to achieve good dental health for a lifetime. This is important for cosmetic reasons, but also to maintain overall oral health. One of the consequences of not brushing and flossing correctly is gum disease, which is also known as periodontal disease. This condition originally affects the…

Proper Oral Hygiene Is Effective For Stopping Bleeding Gums

Bleeding gums are a common symptom that many people experience. You might assume you are brushing your teeth correctly and that you have healthy teeth. Because you think your oral hygiene routine is okay, you may ignore your bleeding gums. But this is an important sign that all is not well. If you do not…

Ask A Cosmetic Dentist: Are Treatments Painful

Advancements in cosmetic dentistry technology have allowed the cosmetic dentist to offer patients a wide range of treatments to improve and repair smiles. While some might be eager to take advantage of one or more treatments, others might hesitate because of the perceived pain involved. However, prospective patients may gain peace of mind by asking…

Recent Posts

Ask A Cosmetic Dentist: Are Treatments Painful

Ask A Cosmetic Dentist: Are Treatments Painful

Advancements in cosmetic dentistry technology have allowed the cosmetic dentist to offer patients a wide range of treatments to improve and repair smiles. While some might be eager to take advantage of one or more treatments, others might hesitate because of the perceived pain involved. However, prospective patients may gain peace of mind by asking…

Ask A General Dentist: What Happens To Your Tooth After Extraction

Ask A General Dentist: What Happens To Your Tooth After Extraction

Tooth extraction frequently occurs in the office of a general dentist for a variety of reasons, including:Bacterial decayAccidental breakageOvercrowdingImpactionMost patients are more concerned about the gap the tooth leaves behind than its fate outside their mouths. An extracted tooth usually takes one of the following paths, depending on whether the dentist or the patient claims…