One of the first treatments our dentists may recommend if you are diagnosed with periodontal disease is scaling and root planing. This treatment is highly effective in managing the early stage of gum disease, and may be combined with other types of treatment, such as antibiotic therapy, to maximize your treatment benefits.
What is Scaling & Root Planing?
Scaling and root planing, often referred to as deep cleaning, is a nonsurgical dental procedure used to treat periodontal (gum) disease. It is a thorough and effective method for removing plaque and tartar buildup from the tooth surfaces both above and below the gumline. This procedure is typically performed by our dental hygienists or dentists and may involve the use of specialized instruments such as ultrasonic scalers and hand instruments.
The process begins with scaling, where the accumulated plaque and tartar is carefully removed from the tooth’s surface. Then, root planing follows, which focuses on smoothing out the root surfaces of the teeth. Smoothing the roots helps prevent further plaque buildup and promotes the reattachment of the gums to the teeth, reducing pocket depth. Scaling and root planing can be performed on a specific area of the mouth or the entire mouth, depending on the severity of the periodontal disease.
Benefits of Scaling & Root Planing
- Improved Gum Health: Scaling and root planing effectively eliminate bacteria and toxins that contribute to gum disease. This leads to a reduction in inflammation, bleeding gums and overall gum health improvement.
- Halt Progression of Gum Disease: Early intervention through scaling and root planing can prevent the progression of gingivitis to more severe stages of periodontal disease, such as periodontitis, which can result in tooth loss.
- Prevent Tooth Loss: By removing plaque and tartar buildup and promoting gum reattachment, scaling and root planing help prevent tooth mobility and tooth loss caused by advanced gum disease.
- Fresher Breath: Eliminating bacteria and infection from the gums can lead to fresher breath, as the source of bad breath is often related to periodontal issues.
- Improved Overall Health: Periodontal disease has been linked to various systemic health conditions, including heart disease and diabetes. Scaling and root planing can contribute to better overall health by reducing the inflammation and infection associated with gum disease.
- Long-Term Cost Savings: Treating gum disease in its early stages with scaling and root planing can be more cost-effective in the long run, as it helps avoid the need for more extensive and expensive dental procedures later on.
Schedule an appointment with one of our top-notch hygienists.
Contact Park Central Dental today at 214-340-9696 to make an appointment with Dr. Mazin Nakhleh, Dr. Laura Fisher or Dr. Shohreh Sharifi and find out more about scaling and root planing in Dallas, Texas.