Are your gums tender, swollen, or bleeding when you brush? You might be among the 42% of American adults with periodontitis. When regular teeth cleanings aren't enough to keep gum disease from advancing, your dentist may recommend a gum disease treatment called scaling and root planing, a deep-cleaning procedure beyond routine teeth cleaning.
This non-surgical treatment removes harmful bacteria, plaque, and tartar that have accumulated below your gum line and on tooth roots, places your toothbrush cannot reach.
Read on to explore how this common dental procedure works, what to expect during treatment from the top family dentist in Naperville, and why it might be the key to saving your smile from advancing gum disease.
What is Scaling and Root Planing?
Scaling and root planing is a thorough dental cleaning procedure that goes deeper than the professional teeth cleaning you usually get with your regular dental visit. The treatment consists of two main steps:
- First, during scaling, a skilled dental hygienist uses special tools to remove hardened plaque — known as tartar — from both above and below your gum line, a subgingival cleaning that reaches areas your brushing and flossing can't get to.
- Secondly, during root planing, the rough surfaces of your tooth roots are carefully smoothed out. This smoothing helps your gums reattach to your teeth properly and helps remove bacteria that have embedded in the gum line.
The entire procedure aims to eliminate the source of dental infection, reduce inflammation, and create an environment where your gums can heal and tighten around your teeth again.
How Does Scaling and Root Planing Differ from Regular Dental Cleanings?
Regular dental cleanings primarily focus on removing plaque and tartar from the visible portions of your teeth and just slightly below the gum line. In contrast, scaling and root planing is the next level of dental cleaning. Designed specifically for treating gum disease. While your routine cleaning might take 30 to 45 minutes, scaling and root planing often requires longer appointments and might be split into multiple sessions to thoroughly clean different sections of your mouth.
Dental professionals use specialized instruments and sometimes local anesthesia during scaling and root planing to ensure your comfort while they access these deeper pockets. This more intensive treatment is necessary when regular cleanings simply aren't enough to address the early stages of gum disease, known as gingivitis.
When is Scaling and Root Planing Necessary?
Your dentist might recommend scaling and root planing when they spot clear signs that your gums are in trouble. The most common indicator is the development of pockets or spaces between your teeth and gums that measure deeper than four millimeters when your dentist checks them with a small measuring tool.
These pockets form when bacteria cause your gums to pull away from your teeth, creating hiding spots for more bacteria to thrive. Other warning signs include gums that bleed easily when you brush or floss, persistent bad breath, gum recession, and red or swollen gums. Acting quickly when these symptoms appear can prevent periodontal disease from progressing to more serious stages that might eventually lead to tooth loss.
What Can Patients Expect During and After the Procedure?
During scaling and root planing, your dental professional will numb your mouth with local anesthesia to keep you comfortable. The procedure itself might feel like a deeper, more thorough version of a regular cleaning as special instruments work below your gum line. For extensive gum disease, your mouth will likely be divided into sections, with each section treated during separate appointments spaced about one to two weeks apart.
After treatment, it's normal to experience some tenderness in your gums, minor swelling, and possibly some bleeding when brushing for the first few days. Your teeth might also feel more sensitive to hot and cold temperatures for a week or two.
Usually, you’ll be able to return to your normal oral hygiene routine, but sometimes your dentist will provide specific aftercare instructions that may include rinsing with saltwater or a prescribed antimicrobial mouthwash and taking over-the-counter pain relievers.
How Effective is Scaling and Root Planing in Treating Periodontal Disease?
Scaling and root planing is remarkably effective for most patients with early to moderate gum disease. After treatment, patients often notice their gums becoming pinker, firmer, and less likely to bleed during brushing. The procedure typically eliminates most of the harmful bacteria causing the infection and gives your body's natural healing processes a chance to work. However, the long-term success of treatment depends heavily on what happens after you leave the dental chair. Patients who follow through with excellent oral hygiene and keep their scheduled maintenance cleanings see the best results.
Where to get the Best Dental Cleanings in Naperville
At Naperville Family Dental, we prioritize building genuine relationships with our patients, ensuring that every visit is comfortable and welcoming. Led by Dr. Don Jonker, our team is dedicated to understanding your unique oral health needs and crafting personalized treatment plans that align with your smile goals.
We believe that preventive dentistry is the cornerstone of a healthy smile, which is why we emphasize the importance of regular check-ups and cleanings for families in Naperville. Utilizing the latest techniques and technologies, we deliver top-notch care that caters to patients of all ages.
Ready to trust the top family dentist in Naperville to be your partner in achieving and maintaining optimal oral health?
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