For the unfamiliar, scaling and root planing is a form of
treatment for gum disease.
Who is this treatment for?
Nearly half of all Americans have
gum disease. I can be the result of inadequate home care, a genetic predisposition, smoking or dietary choices. Early on, periodontal disease is called gingivitis. This is a bacterial infection below the gumline. Gingivitis can be treated easily, but if it is allowed to continue, the gums will begin to pull away from the teeth, receding and creating pockets around the teeth where food and more bacteria can become trapped.
Untreated periodontal disease can eventually lead to bone loss and missing teeth, so it should be treated as soon as possible. Scaling and root planing is a treatment that can help if your gum disease isn't too severe yet.
What does the procedure involve?
Scaling and planing is sometimes called “deep cleaning,” as it involves clearing tartar and plaque away from the teeth, only from below the gumline, as opposed to the surface. Since this cleaning goes a bit deeper than normal, your gums will likely be numbed for the procedure in order to keep you comfortable.
Dr. Sachs or your hygienist will take great care to clean around each of the affected teeth, clearing the pocket and root of the tooth for any plaque. Once the cleaning process is complete, the roots of your teeth will be smoothed out to encourage the gums to reattach to them. And antibiotic treatment may be used afterward, and you could be instructed to use a special mouthwash for a while after treatment to help keep the pockets clear of infection. You'll be instructed to make
regular follow-up visits so that we can keep your pockets clean and help your gum heal.
The consequences of periodontal disease can be severe, so treatment should be done as soon as possible. If you have any of the signs of gum disease—bleeding when you brush or floss, or red, swollen gums—
make an appointment to have your teeth and gums checked out.