Overcome Gum Disease With Painless Root Planing and Scaling
Are your gums red, swollen, and tender? Do they bleed when you brush or floss? These are common signs of gum disease, a common problem that affects many Americans. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss, bone damage, and other serious health issues. Fortunately, at Chapko & Shah Modern Dentistry, our Belvidere dentists offer root planing and scaling as an efficient solution.
What are Root Planing and Scaling?
Root planing and scaling are non-surgical procedures that deep clean your teeth and gums. This dual treatment is a common treatment for periodontal disease, which occurs when bacteria and plaque build-up on your teeth and gums, causing inflammation and infection. Root planing and scaling remove the bacteria, plaque, and tartar that have accumulated on your teeth and below the gum line, helping to prevent further damage and allowing your gums to heal.
The Benefits of Root Planing and Scaling
Some benefits of root planing and scaling include:
- Removes plaque and bacteria from hard-to-reach areas including below the gum line
- Prevents further damage to the teeth and gums
- Reduces inflammation and bleeding
- Promotes healthier gums and teeth
- Helps to prevent tooth loss
- Improves overall oral health
- Improves the appearance of your smile
The Root Planing and Scaling Process
Initial Consultation
Before you undergo root planing and scaling, your Belvidere dentist will have you attend an initial consultation. During your appointment, your dentist will examine your teeth and gums to determine the extent of the damage and to develop a treatment plan. Your consultation is a great time to ask any questions. If you’re feeling nervous about the procedure, we can offer sedation dentistry to help you feel relaxed and ensure the process goes by quickly.
Treatment Preparation
If you’ve been approved for root planing and scaling, your dentist will numb your gums with a local anesthetic to minimize discomfort during the procedure. They may also apply your sedative at this time, or if you opted for oral sedation, make sure it’s working before proceeding.
Root Planing & Scaling
During the scaling phase, your dentist will use special instruments to remove plaque and tartar from the surfaces of your teeth and below the gum line. This may be done by hand or with an ultrasonic scaler. During the root planing phase, they’ll smooth the root surfaces of your teeth to remove rough areas where bacteria can accumulate and help your gums reattach to your teeth.
Follow-Up Exams
Your dentist may apply an antibiotic gel or powder to your gums to help fight infection. They’ll typically then schedule a follow-up appointment to monitor your progress and determine if further treatment is needed. You may need to see your dentist every few months to ensure your treatment is successful and that no flare-ups occur.
Healing and Aftercare
After your planing and scaling procedure, your gums may be tender and sensitive for a few days. You may need to take pain medication and maintain a soft diet for a short period. Your Belvidere dentist may also recommend a mouthwash or other products to help promote healing and prevent infection.
To maintain the health of your gums and prevent future gum disease, it’s important to practice good oral hygiene. This includes brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and scheduling regular cleanings and check-ups with your Belvidere dentist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not at all! Your dentist will numb your gums with a local anesthetic to minimize discomfort during the procedure. After the procedure, your gums may be tender and sensitive for a few days. Your dentist may prescribe medication to help deal with any discomfort.
Talk to your dentist about sedation dentistry beforehand. Sedation can help you feel more comfortable and at ease during your procedure.
It depends. The procedure can take one or more visits, depending on the extent of the damage. Your dentist will give you a more accurate breakdown of the time during your initial consultation.
The answer depends on your oral health. Your dentist will monitor your progress and determine if further treatment is needed.
Scaling involves the removal of plaque and tartar from the surface of the tooth and below the gumline, while root planing is a procedure that smooths out the root surfaces to prevent further buildup of bacteria and plaque. While both procedures are often necessary for treating gum disease, they address different aspects of the condition.
