What Is Scaling and Root Planing?
The scaling and root planing procedure is one of the most commonly performed and effective treatment methods for treating periodontal disease, especially periodontal disease in its early stages. While brushing and flossing your teeth is an effective way to remove bacteria and avoid developing oral health issues, this is not a foolproof method for completely eliminating bacteria from the mouth. Bacteria can accumulate in the pockets of your gums, and if that bacteria is left alone it will begin to eat away at these pockets, causing them to deepen, which then allows for more bacteria to accumulate. During your periodontal exam, your periodontist will measure the depth of your pockets to determine whether you have periodontal disease. In general pockets with a depth of less than 4mm are considered to be healthy, and anything beyond this point is an indication that periodontal disease is present.
One of the first lines of defense in treating periodontal disease is a scaling and root planing procedure. Prior to performing this procedure, a local anesthetic will be administered to numb the area where the scaling and root planing procedure is being performed, as well as dental sedation, if necessary. Once you are numbed, the scaling and root planing process will begin by removing the plaque below your gumline using a dental scaler. Once the plaque has been removed, the roots of your teeth are smoothed or planed to inhibit the growth of further bacteria and give your gums time to heal.
Depending on the severity of your case, the scaling and root planing procedure can usually be performed in one visit. On rare occasion, or in really severe cases, the scaling and root planing can take more than 1 visit.
Once your scaling and root planing procedure is complete, a follow-up visit will be scheduled within six months so your periodontist can evaluate your overall oral health and measure the depth of your gum pockets. During this period, it is critical that you practice good oral hygiene habits, which includes brushing and flossing twice daily and being mindful of the types of foods and drinks you consume. If your periodontal disease has not improved by the time of your follow up visit, you may require additional treatments, such as osseous surgery, or more frequent periodontal maintenance every three or four months.
Once your periodontal disease has been corrected, you will enjoy many benefits that come with having a healthy mouth. One of the biggest differences you may notice is that your gums appear to be much pinker and healthier. One of the most common consequences of periodontal disease is causing gums to lose their pink color, become swollen, and bleed easily. You may also notice that your breath smells better, as periodontal disease can cause chronic halitosis. Perhaps most importantly, you will avoid developing more serious issues that can occur when periodontal disease is left unchecked, which can range from receding gums to the loss of teeth.