Scaling and Root Planing
Elevate Your Oral Health with Scaling and Root Planing
At Worthington Periodontal Specialists, we prioritize your oral health by offering advanced nonsurgical treatment options for gum disease. Scaling and root planing, also known as deep cleaning, effectively removes harmful bacteria, plaque, and tartar from beneath the gum line, helping to prevent tooth loss and restore periodontal health.
Understanding Gum Disease and Its Impact
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, occurs when a sticky film of bacteria builds up on your teeth and hardens into tartar. If left untreated, this can lead to inflammation, bleeding gums, and even chronic periodontitis, a condition that damages the soft tissues and bone supporting your teeth. Regular brushing and flossing help maintain oral health, but professional treatment is necessary to remove deep-seated bacteria and calculus.
Scaling: Removing Plaque and Tartar Below the Gumline
Scaling is the first step in deep cleaning and involves the removal of plaque, tartar, and bacteria from the tooth surfaces and roots. Our periodontists use advanced ultrasonic instruments and hand scalers to ensure a thorough cleaning. We help reduce pocket depth and create a healthier gumline by eliminating the buildup.
Root Planing: Smoothing Root Surfaces for Healing
Root planing is performed after scaling to smooth the root surfaces of your teeth. This process helps prevent future bacterial accumulation, encourages gum tissue to heal, and promotes the reattachment of gums to the tooth surfaces. As part of modern dentistry, this nonsurgical treatment of chronic periodontitis is a critical first step in managing gum disease effectively.
What to Expect During the Deep Cleaning Procedure
For many patients, undergoing a deep cleaning procedure might bring some anxiety. Rest assured, your comfort is a top priority throughout the process. Dr. Miller will begin by applying a local anesthetic to numb the treatment area, ensuring minimal discomfort.
We perform full-mouth debridement to remove bacteria and calculus from all affected areas. The procedure may be completed in quadrants over multiple visits, depending on the severity.
Ultrasonic devices and hand scalers are used to ensure a comprehensive cleaning. Occasionally, oral antibiotics or an antimicrobial mouth rinse may be prescribed to aid healing. Patients may experience mild discomfort, bleeding, or teeth sensitivity, which typically subsides within a few days.
Benefits of Scaling and Root Planing
The scaling and root planing procedure offers numerous benefits for your oral health. These benefits include:
- Reducing inflammation and bleeding
- Preventing further progression of periodontal disease
- Lowering the risk of tooth loss and bone loss
- Promoting healthier gums and freshening bad breath
Following the procedure, maintaining good oral hygiene through diligent brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups is crucial to prevent future gum disease.
Protect Your Smile with Expert Periodontal Care
Scaling and root planing are essential treatments for managing gum disease and maintaining a healthy smile. At Worthington Periodontal Specialists, we provide personalized periodontal scaling and root planing procedures to help you achieve optimal oral health. If you’re experiencing symptoms of gum disease, such as bleeding gums, bad breath, or gum recession, contact us today to schedule your consultation.