Scaling and Root Planing

Root planing and scaling is a type of periodontal treatment. This therapy involves removing the hardened tartar and plaque that can build up on teeth both above the gum line and below it. This can be done in our office by professionals well-trained in gum disease and its treatments. This treatment is done to reduce the inflammation that can be caused by periodontal disease.

When a patient has periodontal disease, it causes the bacteria that is present in plaque to cause separation of the gums from the teeth. This can create pockets to form under the gums. More bacteria are able to grow in there, and you can’t reach this space on your own by brushing your teeth. Periodontal disease can cause the gums to bleed and to be tender, and it can even cause you to have bad breath.

When you get root planing and scaling, this can keep this disease from spreading to other areas of the gums. These are important periodontal therapies for most patients who have gum disease.

Getting Scaling and Root Planing

If you get root planing and scaling, you will have to come to the office a few times to have it done. It may take two visits or as many as four visits to stop periodontal disease from getting worse. You will be numbed by a local anesthetic, so you will remain comfortable throughout the visit The procedure is non-surgical, and the dentist conducts it with a piezo scaler. This scaler is much like a laser. With this scaler, the plaque that has hardened under the gums will be removed. For faster healing, fluoride will also be applied.

The scaling part of the procedure is the removal of tartar and plaque that are both below and above the gum line as well as in the pocket where the tooth is located. The scaling portion is an important way to get rid of the material that can become attached to teeth that can lead to gum disease. Then, the team member does the root planing portion. With this procedure, the tooth’s roots are smoothed. Root planing helps the gums to become reattached to the root of the affected tooth or teeth.

There are also antibiotics used in these treatments. There is an antibiotic that is placed into those infected pockets within the gums to kill the bacteria that is there. This antibiotic will keep working to kill off the bacteria long-term so that the infection can be cleared up. This can do a lot for the health of your teeth and gums.

Signs of Gum Disease

If you have symptoms of gum disease, you may need to get these periodontal therapies. If your gums bleed, this can be a clear sign of gum disease. It can also cause the gums to be red, tender, or swollen. If you have bad breath or your teeth have become loose or are shifting around, you need to talk to the dentist about the problems with your gums. You may need to get scaling and root planing to get rid of the infection that is in your gums.

Call us today to make your appointment with our team at North Florida Dentistry. We care about the health of your gums.