Scaling and root planing is a dental procedure performed in order to combat gum disease. It is typically done in two parts, depending on the severity of the gum disease. Scaling is the act of removing plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line. This is done with dental instruments that perform a scraping motion. Root planing is when the dentist smoothes out the roots of the teeth, which become compromised when an infection forms. Root planing is also needed because the roots are moved around and scraped clean during the scaling portion of the procedure.
Individuals that need scaling and root planing will usually experience a few symptoms, which can be used to indicate that the procedure is needed. Read on to find out more!
Below is a quick overview of when scaling and root planing is needed in dentistry. This information may be useful to individuals who are not sure what type of attention their gums need.
One way to tell that scaling and root planing is needed is to carefully examine the gums. Healthy gums are supposed to be firm and pink. However, when an infection is present, the soft tissues may become red and irritated, in other words, inflamed.
Inflammation typically goes down a few days after a scaling and root planing procedure. A lot of individuals are surprised that the procedure sometimes even induces inflammation; however, this is temporary and only a result of the gums being worked on.
Another sign that scaling and root planing is necessary is when the gums bleed. While occasional blood when brushing or flossing is somewhat normal, excessive or chronic bleeding is not. Healthy gums should not bleed on a regular basis. In some severe cases, the gums may even bleed when there is no contact, which would be a sign of severe periodontitis.
Scaling and root planing will ultimately help reduce bleeding and rid the gums of the infection. Just like with inflammation, there may be slight bleeding after the procedure is complete; however, this is normal and just a result of the work that was done.
Aside from inflammation and bleeding, if the gums are sore or in pain then it is also best to consider scaling and root planing. A mild case of gum disease does not usually result in discomfort, which means any sharp pains or sore areas may indicate a serious case. Scaling and root planing is likely needed to start the process of treating gum disease.
Scaling and root planing can be quite helpful in restoring the gums back to good health. Oftentimes, the procedure on its own will kill the infection, which simply results in a need for the individual to practice good oral hygiene.
To find out more about scaling and root planing, it is best to consult directly with a general dentist. This procedure is often performed by general dentists and their hygienic team. Reach out today to get questions answered or to get scheduled for an appointment.
Request an appointment here: https://www.gledhilldental.com or call Gledhill Dental at (509) 800-8410 for an appointment in our Kennewick office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Scaling and Root Planing in Kennewick, WA.
The CDC states that gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is one of the leading oral infections in the United States. In addition, the National Institute of Health cites it as the most common culprit for adults losing teeth. Because the early stages of periodontal disease often do not have noticeable symptoms, many patients…
Gum disease is a bacterial infection that causes inflammation in the gums and bone surrounding the teeth. The resulting inflammation causes bone loss and eventually, tooth loss, and it can contribute to other health problems. Once a patient has been diagnosed with gum disease (periodontal disease), prompt treatment is necessary to address the condition. Most…
Improper or infrequent oral care, such as failing to floss, can lead to serious gum disease. When this occurs, those who suffer from this affliction may experience a variety of troubling symptoms that are often difficult to reverse without the assistance of a dentist. However, this problem is completely preventable, especially when dental patients learn…
Gum disease is simple to prevent and even to reverse in its early stages. But periodontal disease is a chronic condition that is hard to cure. The more you delay intervention against gum disease, the more intensive the subsequent treatment will be. These are compelling reasons to be proactive about preventing and treating periodontal disease.Ignoring…
Dentures are the way to go if you are looking for an affordable way to replace missing teeth. They typically fall under one of two categories: partial and complete dentures. Partial dentures are recommended when a person has lost only some of the teeth in a dental arch. Full dentures are typically recommended for those…
Going to the general dentistry office may not excite you, but you can reap the benefits. Putting off dental appointments can disrupt good oral health habits and lead to serious problems. The next time you come to see your dentist, you will have a dental cleaning. This is much more than a formality. General dentistry…