What is Scale and Root Planing?

Everyone has experienced having their teeth professionally cleaned by a dentist or a hygienist. The plaque that forms on the teeth is meticulously removed manually with a hand-held tool called a scaler. Scaling and root planing is an extension of this process, now below the gum line. Also called deep cleaning, everything else remains the same. The removal of damaging plaque and tartar is the sole cause of gum disease.

We All Have Plaque

Every single day, we all naturally develop plaque on our teeth. The saliva, bacteria, and proteins create a thin, clear layer that sits on the teeth. This sticky substance, if not removed, collects even more particles, acids, and sugar, all of which attack the enamel of the teeth. That is also why the health industry strongly recommends brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at least once, which are simple efforts to combat this constant buildup of plaque.

What Causes Gum Disease

This same bacteria and acid-carrying plaque, when allowed to come in contact with the soft tissue of the gums, will immediately create an infection. The gums will swell, become tender to the touch, and, unfortunately, begin to sag away and recede from the teeth. The gums usually sit tight around the base of the crown, but when sagging begins, it forms pockets that accelerate the problem of trapping more unwanted tiny particles.

The Scale and Root Planing Process

A study several years ago discovered that about 47% of American adults have some level of gum disease. That is mild, moderate, or severe gum disease. In adults over the age of sixty-five, the percentage jumps to over 70%. So, it is quite evident that plaque buildup on our teeth and roots is prevalent. The procedure is either with the manual scaler mentioned earlier or an ultrasonic device that has a vibrating tip to chip away and remove the stubborn plaque and tartar. If the gums are tender, a local anesthetic can be introduced to manage discomfort. The scaling is done around the outside of each tooth. The root planing addition goes even further down the tooth, making the entire surface smooth again. This allows the gums to heal, close the seal around the tooth, and also makes it difficult for plaque to adhere again to the smooth surface of the tooth.

Recovery and the Benefits of Scale and Root Planing

Depending on the initial condition of your gums at the time of the procedure and the amount of scaling necessary, you can expect to experience sore gums for a few days. An over-the-counter pain medication can neutralize discomfort as the infection naturally subsides. Moving forward, good, daily oral hygiene practices on your behalf will keep your gums healthy. Exercise consistent brushing twice a day of both the teeth and the gums, as well as flossing once a day. Combine this with visiting your dentist twice a year for scheduled examinations and X-rays, and the successful cleaning and scaling your dental team provides, and you can eliminate any more deep scaling and root planing from your future. Your teeth, your gums, and your smile will be eternally grateful.

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