Do I Need Scaling and Root Planing?

Scaling and root planning treats periodontal disease. However, not every case of periodontal disease requires scaling and root planing. This review helps you determine if treatment is necessary for you and discusses how the treatment process works and how to prevent gum disease. 

Scaling and root planing treats gingivitis and periodontitis

Anyone who has signs of a progressive stage of periodontal disease should visit a dentist to determine if scaling and root planing is necessary. The dental team can put together a detailed treatment plan to address your symptoms and ensure that you are able to prevent severe periodontal disease in the long term. 

Scaling and root planing explained

Scaling and root planing, also called deep dental cleaning, is a dental procedure that addresses moderate to severe cases of periodontal disease. There are two main types of periodontal disease: gingivitis and periodontitis. Periodontitis is a more severe form that often requires scaling and root planing. The goal of treatment is to remove all bacteria, plaque and tartar below the gum line and on the tooth root. Scaling and root planing does not cure periodontitis, but it is a first step toward overcoming the condition in the long term. 

Signs that indicate the need for scaling and root planing

Not every case of periodontal disease requires scaling and root planing. However, if the condition leads to more severe symptoms, then a deep cleaning may be necessary. These signs include:

• Gum pockets
• Bone loss
• Gum discoloration
• Swollen gums
• Gum bleeding
• Exposed tooth roots

The most notable sign that indicates a need for scaling and root planing are gum pockets. When gum pockets are deeper than 4 millimeters, then the patient likely needs scaling and root planing to stop the gum pockets from getting deeper and to reattach the gums to the tooth root. 

How scaling and root planing works

Scaling and root planing involves applying a numbing agent and local anesthetic, scraping away the plaque and tartar from the root of teeth and below the gum line (scaling) and smoothing the tooth roots to allow gums to reattach (root planing). The procedure takes from half an hour to two hours. The dentist may need to break the procedure up into two visits. The first would consist of scaling and root planing one or two quadrants and completing the rest on an additional visit. 

How to prevent periodontal disease

After scaling and root planing, it is important to follow the dentist’s instructions, which may include using mouthwash to improve periodontal health. Patients should also brush and floss regularly to prevent a buildup of plaque and tartar and remove food and bacteria from between teeth and along the gum line as quickly as possible. Regular dental cleanings are also strongly encouraged when preventing periodontal disease. 

Discuss scaling and root planing with a licensed dentist

You can reach our dental team by phone or by sending us a message. We can arrange a time for a visit to discuss whether you need scaling and root planing and to answer all of your questions related to periodontal health.

Request an appointment here: https://shdentalva.com or call Safe Harbor Dental at (757) 333-0087 for an appointment in our Chesapeake office.

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