Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical periodontal therapy. It helps treat chronic periodontal disease and is also ideal for people with a lot of plaque and tartar on their teeth. The procedure aims to prevent periodontal disease and its progression. It does this by deep cleaning the pockets that form between your gums and teeth.
The procedure takes more than one visit to the dentist, and in some cases, you will require a local anesthetic. The dentist uses anesthesia based on the severity of your condition. Recovery only takes a few days, sometimes longer.
What Is Scaling and Root Planing?
The procedure involves deep cleaning teeth and gums. There are two parts, scaling and root planing, where scaling removes plaque and tartar. The dentist does the removal above and below the gumline. They do this to ensure that the pockets that form between the gum and teeth are clean.
Root planing involves smoothing out the roots of your teeth so that the gums can heal. The smoothing also helps the gum reattach to the teeth. After the procedure, you may have some pain for a day or two, and your teeth may be sensitive for a week.
What Happens During the Procedure?
The first part of the procedure is scaling or deep cleaning. The second part is the root planing which may take more than one visit to the dentist. The goal is to remove bacteria, plaque, and tartar from the teeth and roots.
Step One: Numbing
The dentist applies a local or topical anesthetic to the area he will be working on in your mouth. The anesthesia helps numb the part so that you do not feel pain as he works. Upon confirming that your mouth is numb, he will proceed with the next step.
Step Two: Scaling
The dentist uses laser, ultrasonic, or manual hand instruments to dive deep into the gumline. They use these instruments to clean and get rid of plaque and tartar. They scrape the plaque and tartar from your teeth and get into the pockets between your gum and teeth. They remove all the debris that may be there, ensuring your mouth is nice and clean.
Step Three: Root Planing
Root planing involves a deeper dive into the pockets and smoothing out the roots of your teeth. Smoothing out the root surfaces prevents the bacteria that form plaque from attaching themselves to those surfaces again. It decreases gum inflammation, helping it heal and fit itself firmly and snuggly around your teeth.
Step Four: Antibiotics
If there is a need to prevent infection, your dentist will administer antibiotics directly into the area undergoing the procedure. This process of host modulation also helps correct the effects of having the periodontal disease for a long time.
They may also recommend additional treatments, depending on the health of your gums and teeth. If there is a need, they will recommend oral antibiotics to take at home.
For more information on scaling and root planing, visit Marine Park Periodontics and Implantology at our office in Brooklyn, New York. You can also call (646) 863-4810 to book an appointment today.
