Scaling and root planing for gum disease is an often performed dental procedure that involves cleaning deep down toward the tooth root and below the gum line to remove built-up plaque and tartar. It is a more extensive form of routine dental cleaning and often necessary when treating advanced cases of gum disease.
Minor instances of gum disease can often be treated through improvements in your at-home oral health routine and through routine dental cleanings. However, scaling and root planing is often a better solution. The following is a review of how dentists use scaling and root planing to clean the gums and treat gum disease in the long term.
Gum disease, also called periodontitis, refers to an oral infection that damages the gums and the underlying jawbone. Symptoms of gum disease include bleeding gums, gum swelling, gums that move away from teeth (gum recession), pockets between the teeth and gums, and bone loss. It is most often caused by poor oral hygiene and relatively easy to prevent with consistent oral care and regular dental visits.
Gingivitis is considered by many to be a mild form of gum disease, although some dentists separate the term from periodontitis. Gingivitis is milder and typically able to be treated through less extensive measures than scaling and root planing.
Scaling and root planing is a way to treat severe cases of gum disease, particularly those that are not able to be properly addressed through routine cleanings or improvements in oral care. The procedure involves cleaning the crown of the tooth, removing plaque and tartar buildup along the gum line, and going deeper toward the tooth root and underneath the gum line to remove bacteria and plaque.
As mentioned, scaling and root planing is necessary for severe cases of gum disease. Some symptoms of severe gum disease that may indicate that scaling and root planing is needed include severe bleeding when pressure is placed upon the gums, abnormal swelling of the gums, bone loss in the jaw, gum recession and loose teeth. If these symptoms exist, then it is important to contact a dentist as soon as possible.
The patient can return home after scaling and root planing. Some discomfort may exist, although it typically goes away within 24 hours and can be managed through over-the-counter pain relief medication. The dentist should also provide dietary limitations during the recovery, which may include reducing the consumption of sugar and avoiding foods that are hard to chew or sticky.
You can reach our dental team by phone or email to learn more about gum disease treatment options, and we can explain the process of scaling and root planing to you in greater detail during a consultation visit. Our dental team is friendly and happy to address any concerns you may have about gum disease and its treatment.
Request an appointment here: https://www.drjoshidental.com or call Megha Joshi DDS and Achyut Joshi DDS at (951) 707-4374 for an appointment in our Moreno Valley office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Gum Disease in Moreno Valley, CA.
Gum disease is often hard to avoid; however, once it is detected, patients can immediately visit their general dentist for a diagnosis and treatment plan. In order for it to be detected, the dentist will have to rely on any symptoms or signs that indicate a problem. Ready to learn more about the signs?Sometimes when…
We can set you on the right routine to prevent gum disease and live a happy pain-free life.When it comes to your oral health, proper oral hygiene and regular checkups at our dental office can help prevent gum disease. Even if the early symptoms of gum disease don't seem to cause any pain, prompt treatment…
Bleeding gums can be a sign of vigorous brushing or something worse. Call for a checkup.If you're looking for answers to why your gums are irritated or bleeding, we can help. When it comes to oral health, there are multiple reasons for bleeding gums. We can identify the source of the issue and provide treatment.From…
A laser dentist is a great resource to utilize when looking for an alternative way to have dental procedures performed. Laser dentists offer procedures that are less invasive, less painful and less grueling for the mouth. They do this by using laser light beams to perform necessary treatments on the oral cavity. Ultimately, dental laser…
Are you looking into broken tooth restoration options? When someone breaks one of their teeth, treatment depends on the severity of the break. General dentists recommend early treatment for the highest chance of a successful restoration.Teeth can break for several reasons, and understanding the cause can help dictate the restoration. For example, individuals that play…
Your cosmetic dentist can transform your smile by providing tailor-fit treatments. Creating your care plan will depend on your features. Doing so will have more natural results. Here is how your cosmetic dentist tailors specific treatments to your features.Procedures in this field need more than a dentist’s technical skills. The cosmetic dentist must also possess…