What is Scale and Root Planing?
Periodontal disease is a condition in which the gum tissue is chronically infected with bacteria and tartar buildup. It can cause gum recession and bone loss and eventually, tooth loss. Periodontal disease can be detrimental to your overall health and has been linked to heart disease and other systemic issues.
What is scale and root planing?
Scale and root planing, also called a deep cleaning, is a nonsurgical procedure used to clear infection and if often the first treatment for periodontal disease. It is usually completed by your dental hygienist, though your dentist may provide this service as well. Treatment often takes place over the course of two appointments because the gum tissue being treated is numbed. So, typically, one side of the mouth is treated at a time to avoid numbing the entire mouth, with a final follow-up appointment about six weeks later.
Scaling and root planing utilizes a local anesthetic which is administered in the area being treated to minimize discomfort. You may not need to have your entire mouth treated, you may only need one quadrant or just a few teeth scaled. Your hygienist will use manual and ultrasonic instruments to scrape and clean below the gumline where plaque and bacteria collect. If needed, a particularly deep pocket may have an antibiotic chip placed to help clear the infection.
Removing tartar and bacteria from below the gumline allows the gum tissue to heal closer to the tooth, protecting the tooth roots and jaw bone structure.
How do I know if I need scale and root planing?
During a regular cleaning, your dental hygienist will measure the depth of each pocket between the gum tissue and the tooth. Healthy gum pockets measure between zero and 3 millimeters and any with a measurement of 5 mm or higher could benefit from scale and root planing. In some cases, scale and root planing is insufficient to restore health to the gum tissue and requires the specialized attention of a periodontist.
Immediately following each scale and root planing appointment, it is normal to experience minor swelling and bleeding in the area which should subside on its own within a few days.
After scale and root planing treatment, it is important to improve your oral care routine at home and to increase the frequency with which you see your dentist. Most patients adhere to a twice a year routine for dental cleanings but patients with a history of periodontal issues benefit from three or four cleanings a year instead.
Periodontal disease does not go away on its own and can negatively impact your oral and overall health in the long term. It is important to proceed with any recommended treatment to eradicate periodontal disease to ensure that you keep all of your natural teeth as long as possible.