Is Scale and Root Planing Painful?
Scale and root planing is a non-surgical dental procedure performed to clear periodontal disease and restore the health of your gum and bone tissues. Periodontal disease is an advanced form of gum disease and can lead to gum recession, bone loss, and tooth loss. Scale and root planing is often the first step but if it is insufficient in clearing infection, your dentist may refer you to a periodontist for specialized treatment.
Is Scale and Root Planing Painful?
The procedure itself is performed under local anesthetic so you should not feel any discomfort during treatment. The only pain you feel may happen with the injection of the anesthetic, though a topical numbing agent is typically applied to the injection site prior to the shot. Immediately following the procedure, you may have some tenderness and sensitivity in the area that was treated but this should subside within a couple of days.
After a scale in replanning, it is important to be very gentle during your oral hygiene home care. A warm salt water rinse can help keep everything clean between brushing and is very soothing on the treated gum tissue. Your dental hygienist may recommend a more frequent cleaning schedule to keep everything healthy and in good condition. The standard twice a year is not ideal for everyone and patients with a history of periodontal disease often need three or four cleanings per year.
Scale and Root Planing Procedure
Scale and root planing is typically performed over two appointments, one side of the mouth being completed at each. The main reason for this is to avoid having the entire mouth numb at once. At each appointment, the side being treated is numbed with a local anesthetic which allows the hygienist to scale deep below the gum line to clear out any tartar buildup and bacteria infection in each gum pocket without causing discomfort to the patient.
They will use a combination of manual and ultrasonic instruments to make sure everything is clean. The ultrasonic instrument vibrates and sprays water, which helps loosen plaque and flush out the gum pockets. The manual instruments allow them to to feel the surface of each tooth route to make sure that everything is smooth and nothing is left behind.
Preparing for a Scale and Root Planing Appointment
Your dentist will review your medical history before scheduling a scale and replanning. Patients that have artificial joints, heart valve replacement, heart disease, or other medical conditions may be required to pre-medicate with an antibiotic before treatment. Your general doctor or orthopedic surgeon will provide any necessary premedication for all dental appointments. It is important to make sure that your dental provider has a current health history complete with current medications so that they can provide you with the best care possible.
Left untreated, periodontal disease can have a detrimental impact on your overall health in addition to your oral health. Studies show a correlation between gum disease and heart disease so it is vital to proceed with any recommended treatment clear periodontal disease.