What Is Scaling and Root Planing?

What Is Scaling and Root Planing?

Regular dental exams are crucial to maintaining good oral health, which is necessary for general wellness. During dental checkups, dentists can identify issues and provide the treatment needed to avoid complications. 
 

One standard dental treatment that dentists may recommend is scaling and root planing. It is essential to understand scaling and root planing and why they are crucial. It also helps to know what to expect during the procedure.

What Is Scaling and Root Planing?

These nonsurgical procedures prevent and treat periodontal disease. They are part of a deep cleaning treatment that removes bacteria, plaque, and tartar from the teeth and gums. A dentist or dental hygienist often performs the treatment.

Why Is Scaling and Root Planing Important?

Gum disease is a common oral health problem that affects many people. It can result in severe complications if untreated. These include bone degeneration, tooth loss, and systemic health conditions like diabetes and heart disease. Scaling and root planing effectively treat gum disease in its early stages and prevent further complications.

What to Expect During the Procedure

Before the procedure, your dentist will assess your dental health to determine if this treatment is necessary. Depending on your condition's severity, the process may take one or more visits. Dentists typically perform this treatment using local anesthesia to make it more comfortable.
 

The procedure involves using special tools to remove bacteria, plaque, and tartar from the teeth and gums. The scaling process involves using a scaler to remove the plaque and tartar from the surface of the teeth and under the gumline. Root planing involves smoothing out the roots of the teeth to remove rough spots where bacteria can accumulate.
 

After the procedure, your gums may be tender and swollen. You might bleed for a few days, but that is normal. Your dentist may recommend OTC pain medication to relieve any discomfort. Following your dentist's post-procedure recommendations is crucial to ensure a smooth recovery.

Benefits of Scaling and Root Planing

This treatment has many benefits for your oral health, including the following:
 

• Preventing Tooth Loss
   

Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss in adults. Scaling and root planing can help prevent tooth loss by treating gum disease in its early stages.
 

• Reducing Bad Breath
   

Gum disease can cause bad breath. Scaling and root planing can help reduce bad breath by removing the bacteria causing it.
 

• Improving Overall Oral Health
   

This therapy can help improve oral health by removing plaque, tartar, and germs that cause gum disease and other oral health problems.
 

• Preventing Systemic Health Issues
   

Dental health professionals link gum disease to broader health problems like diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Scaling and root planing can help prevent these severe complications by treating this condition.

Conclusion

Scaling and root planing are nonsurgical procedures used to treat gum disease. They stop tooth decay, lessen bad breath, and enhance oral health. They can also help prevent systemic health problems. If you have gum disease or are at risk of developing it, talk to your dentist about scaling and root planing.
 

For more dental health tips, visit Woodyard Dental Care at our Paducah, Kentucky office. Call (270) 213-6620 to schedule an appointment today.