Scaling and Root Planing Procedure Explained

Reading time: four minutes.

Many patients feel anxious when they hear terms like “gum disease,” “deep cleaning,” or even “root planing.” These terms can sound a bit intimidating, and you might start picturing all sorts of uncomfortable dental procedures.

But the truth is, scaling and root planing is one of the most effective ways to tackle gum disease and protect your oral health.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through what to expect before, during, and after the scaling and root planing procedure. We’ll also discuss the benefits of this treatment and why it’s important for keeping your mouth healthy.

Table of Contents

• What to Expect Before the Procedure
• What Happens During the Procedure
  • What Are the Benefits?
• What to Expect After the Procedure
  • Signs to Watch For
• Trust the Experts at Highlands Ranch Perio

What to Expect Before the Procedure

Knowing what to expect can help ease your anxiety. Here’s a quick rundown of the steps involved:

1. Dental assessment: Your periodontist will conduct a thorough examination of your gums to identify signs of gum disease, such as periodontal pockets, and gauge the overall health of your teeth and gums.
2. X-rays: In some cases, X-rays may be needed to assess bone health and look for signs of bone loss due to severe gum disease.
3. Treatment planning: The details of the procedure will be discussed with you,  including the potential use of special tools like dental scalers and ultrasonic instruments.

What Happens During the Procedure

You might be surprised to learn that the scaling and root planing procedure doesn’t take as long as you might think! Here’s what typically occurs:

• Local anesthesia: To ensure your comfort, the dentist will use a local anesthetic to numb the treatment area.
• Scaling: Using manual and ultrasonic scalers, the dentist will remove plaque and tartar buildup from the tooth surface and root surfaces. This step is important to remove oral bacteria and allows your gums to heal.
• Root planing: This involves smoothing the tooth roots to promote better gum reattachment and healing, minimizing the risk of future plaque buildup and recession.

What Are the Benefits?

Scaling and root planing offers several key benefits for your oral health:

• Prevents tooth loss: By treating advanced gum disease, you reduce the risk of losing teeth due to bone loss and gum recession.
• Improves gum health: This deep cleaning helps reduce inflammation and bleeding in your gums, leading to healthier gum tissue.
• Reduces periodontal pockets: Smoothing the tooth roots helps your gums reattach, reducing the depth of gum pockets and minimizing the risk of future infections.
• Enhances overall health: Maintaining good oral hygiene and treating gum disease can positively impact your overall health, reducing the risk of other medical conditions linked to periodontal disease.

What to Expect After the Procedure

After your deep cleaning teeth session, it’s important to prioritize your recovery. Here’s what you can anticipate:

• Mild discomfort: Some experience mild side effects like tooth sensitivity or gum tenderness. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage this.
• Follow-up appointments: Schedule regular check-ups to monitor your gum health and identify any need for additional treatment, such as periodontal surgery if necessary.
• Oral hygiene routine: Maintain a balanced diet and follow a diligent oral hygiene routine to keep your mouth healthy. Regular cleanings are necessary to prevent future gum disease.

Signs to Watch For

Following your procedure, it’s vital to remain vigilant for any signs of complications, including:

🚩Increased gum sensitivity

🚩Persistent bleeding

🚩Increased depth of gum pockets

If you notice any of these signs, reach out to your dental professional as soon as possible.

Trust the Experts at Highlands Ranch Perio

Dental scaling and root planing might seem intimidating, but it is a powerful tool in the fight against gum disease. By taking this proactive step, you’re investing in your oral hygiene, and setting the stage for a lifetime of healthy gums!

At Highlands Ranch Periodontics, our experienced team of periodontists is dedicated to helping our patients achieve and maintain optimal oral health. If you are searching for ‘gum disease treatment near me’ or the ‘best periodontist in Highlands Ranch’ we can help!  To book an appointment, call (303) 683-1144 or complete the online inquiry form.