One of the most common regular dental procedures is a deep clean. Dentists may recommend a scaling and root planing procedure as part of a regular clean. This procedure is designed to help treat periodontal, or gum disease.
Scaling and root planing can help to keep your mouth healthy while stopping the harmful effects of gum disease.
Chronic periodontal disease comes from the bacteria in plaque that causes the gums to pull away from the teeth. As a result, large pockets form between the teeth and gums allowing space for more bacteria to grow. These pockets cannot be reached by standard brushing and flossing at home. Scaling and root planing is a treatment for gum disease that prevents its worsening effects over time.
Periodontal, or gum disease is an increasingly common dental complaint. It is preventable as long as patients are able to undergo a proper oral hygiene routine. If left untreated, periodontal disease can cause other issues to develop such as;
In order to mitigate these risks, you should schedule an appointment to discuss scaling and root planing treatment with Dr. I. Stephen Brown who will help you to avoid these risks taking hold.
The scaling and root planing procedure involves removing small amounts of cementum and dentin from the teeth. Root planing is needed to help the gums to reattach to the teeth effectively.
Dr. Brown will divide the procedure into four sections of the mouth- lower right, lower left, upper right, upper left. If all four quadrants require treatment, he will likely carry out the treatments over several appointments.
There are several reasons why patients with gum disease should consider scaling and root planing as gum disease treatment:
Dr. Brown will begin by using a local anesthetic to numb the area of the mouth he is working on. If more than one area is being treated, then he will likely numb one area at a time to prevent the anesthetic from wearing off too soon.
Using a curved instrument, we will then begin the scaling procedure, and planing the roots of any debris left in the periodontal pockets. The curved tool is designed to fit into the space between the teeth and gums. For faster results, we may opt to use an electronic ultrasonic scaler.
The procedure may require more than one appointment to complete, depending on how many of your teeth require scaling and root planing.
Following the procedure, Dr. Brown will ask you to attend another appointment a few weeks later. During the follow-up appointment, he will check your gums and make an assessment of how effective the treatment was in treating the gum disease.
After the completed treatment, less redness, swelling, and gum bleeding can be expected. However, immediately following the scaling and root planing treatments, you may experience some discomfort during the recovery process. These may include;
One of the most important things to do during recovery is to take care of what you’re eating for several weeks following the procedure. Be sure to avoid foods that are crunchy, hard, or that can get stuck in small gaps.
Eat protein rich foods that can help to aid recovery such as yoghurt, cheese, and eggs. When chewing becomes more comfortable, you can begin to reintroduce harder, chewier foods.
Over-the-counter medication can help to ease pain or discomfort during recovery, in addition to using a softer toothbrush with desensitising toothpaste.
Dr Brown will be able to guide you through the recovery process as part of your treatment.
If you wish to discuss scaling and root planing treatment for gum disease, Contact us in order to start taking your first steps toward better teeth and gums today!