Scaling & Root Planing

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Scaling & Root Planing

Ready to achieve optimal oral health? Dental scaling and root planing are essential for preventing gum disease. Learn more about how these treatments can transform your smile and your life.

What Is Dental Scaling and Root Planing?

Scaling removes plaque from the visible surfaces of your teeth. Planing goes deeper, eliminating tartar and plaque buildup below the gumline. Together, these procedures target the root causes of gum inflammation and bone loss: plaque and tartar. By effectively cleaning these harmful substances, scaling and planing improve both the look and health of your teeth and gums.

These non-surgical periodontal treatments are ideal for individuals with gingivitis (mild gum inflammation) or moderate to severe periodontal disease.

Reasons for Scaling and Root Planing

Scaling and root planing can be used both as preventative measures and as stand-alone treatments. While it is often used to treat periodontitis, it can also help prevent the condition from developing.

Here are some reasons why this procedure might be necessary:

  • Disease prevention – The oral bacteria that cause periodontal infections can travel to other body parts via the bloodstream. Research has shown that lung infections and heart disease have been linked to periodontal bacteria. Scaling and root planing remove bacteria and halt periodontal disease from progressing, thus preventing the bacteria from traveling to other parts of the body.
  • Tooth protection – When gum pockets exceed 3mm in depth, there is a greater risk of periodontal disease. As pockets deepen, they tend to house more colonies of dangerous bacteria. Eventually, a chronic inflammatory response by the body begins to destroy gingival and bone tissue, which may lead to tooth loss. Periodontal disease is the number one cause of tooth loss in the developed world.
  • Aesthetic effects – Scaling and root planing help remove tartar and plaque from the teeth and below the gumline. As an added bonus, superficial stains on the teeth will be removed during the scaling and root planing procedure.
  • Better breath – One of the most common signs of periodontal disease is halitosis (bad breath). Food particles and bacteria can cause a persistent foul odor in the oral cavity, which can be alleviated with cleaning procedures such as scaling and root planing.

What to Expect During Your Scaling and Root Planing Treatment

Scaling and root planing are performed after a thorough oral examination. Your dentist will take X-rays, conduct a visual inspection, and diagnose your condition before recommending these procedures.

A local anesthetic may be used depending on the severity of your gum disease, the amount of tartar present, the depth of the gum pockets, and the progression of periodontitis.

Dental Scaling

During your treatment, a local anesthetic is often used to allow a comfortable treatment. The dentist will use specialized tools for dental scaling to remove plaque and tartar.

Scaling is usually performed with special dental instruments and may include an ultrasonic scaling tool. The tool removes calculus and plaque from the crown and root surfaces. In many cases, the scaling tool includes an irrigation process that can also deliver an antimicrobial agent below the gums to help reduce oral bacteria.

Root Planing

Root planing can follow if the treatment is recommended for you, where the roots of your teeth are carefully smoothed over. This process helps your gums reattach to your teeth, promoting better oral health and reducing gum disease symptoms.

During root planing, the dentist removes the cementum and surface dentin embedded with unwanted microorganisms, toxins, and tartar. The root of the tooth is literally smoothed to promote good healing. Clean, smooth root surfaces help prevent bacteria from easily colonizing in the future.

Following these deep cleaning procedures, the gum pockets may be treated with antibiotics. This will soothe irritation and help the gum tissues to heal quickly.

Follow-up Appointment

During the next appointment, the dentist or hygienist will thoroughly examine the gums again to see how well the pockets have healed. Additional and more intensive treatments may be recommended if the gum pockets still measure more than 3mm in depth.

Ideal Candidates for Scaling and Root Planing

Candidates for scaling and root planing typically have gum disease, evident by red, swollen, or bleeding gums, and pockets between the teeth and gums. These procedures can significantly improve oral health for those diagnosed with periodontal disease.

Dental Scaling and Root Planing Costs

The cost of dental scaling and root planing can vary depending on the extent of your gum disease and the number of sessions required. It is best to consult with SKS Dental for a personalized quote on dental scaling and root planing in Arlington, TX. Many dental insurance plans cover gum disease treatments, including periodontal scaling.

Schedule Your Consultation

Are you considering root planing or dental scaling in Arlington, TX? Contact us and schedule a consultation with Dr. Smita Sabharwal. Our team at SKS Dental will answer your questions or concerns about periodontal disease and provide a spa-like treatment to improve your oral health.

Patient Testimonial

I am so glad! landed in Dr. Sabharwal’s chair! Her gracious customer service and exceptional dental skill set delivers a patient experience of the highest caliber. As a nursing supervisor for surgical services I noted a very clean environment that has been designed for a spa experience in a very private setting. I would urge anyone seeking to establish a future with a professional and caring dentist to find your own way to Dr. Sabharwa’s chair too!

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