What to Expect at a Scaling and Root Planing Appointment

The dentist can use scaling and root planing to restore your gum health. Gum disease can have some severe effects on your oral health and overall well-being. If you ignore the signs and symptoms of gingivitis and periodontitis, you could suffer tooth and bone loss. Before the effects escalate to this point, talk to your dentist.

Understanding gum disease and its consequences

Plaque is the main cause of gum conditions. A lack of brushing and flossing will lead to the buildup of this substance. If it is not removed, it will harden and develop into tartar at the gumline. This will cause the gums to swell and become irritated. At this point, the gums will bleed during brushing. It may also be painful to eat.

Patients who ignore these symptoms and continue to put off good oral health habits could suffer even more serious problems. Plaque and tartar can spread, causing pockets of bacteria between the teeth. This can break down the bone and connective tissue of the mouth. Eventually, teeth can pull away, become loose and fall out.

Talking about scaling and root planing

Visiting the dentist is critical for people of all ages. Regular wellness checkups can help prevent gum disease from starting. At these appointments, the hygienist will clean the teeth and remove plaque. Patients who have not seen the dentist in years may be more prone to developing periodontitis.

Once the disease progresses, the dentist can do non-surgical treatments, such as scaling and root planing, to combat the disease. Before starting, the dentist will explain the process and benefits to the patient. The patient and dentist can also discuss other methods to reverse the effects of gum disease. An assistant will take X-rays of the patient’s mouth at this time.

The lowdown on these treatments

Dental scaling does not require invasive surgery. This process allows the dentist or hygienist to scrape away plaque and tartar from below the gumline. A hand tool or ultrasonic tool may be used. The process can be irritating, so the dentist will numb the gums with a local anesthetic.

Root planing is similar. The dentist may suggest this treatment when the tooth and gums separate due to severe gum disease. Again, the dentist may either use a hand tool or ultrasonic device. To minimize the pain, the dentist will use a local anesthetic.

After the procedures

The patient could feel some pain from this gum disease treatment. The dentist may prescribe a mouth wash or pain medication to manage the effects. In some cases, the scaling or root planing may require two visits. The results should be cleaner teeth and healthier gums due to the absence of plaque and bacteria.

Help is available

The most effective way to fight gum disease is to prevent it by brushing and flossing daily. However, if you develop periodontitis, you can restore your gum health. A deep cleaning of scaling and root planing can stop the disease. If you are concerned about your oral health, call your dentist today.

Request an appointment here: https://dentistryonpark.com or call Dentistry on Park, LLC at (781) 443-8131 for an appointment in our Stoughton office.

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