Dental Insurance, Plans, and Products

Scaling and Root Planing in Dentistry: An Alternative Procedure for Gum Disease

March 24, 2019 By DentalHelps Informer Leave a Comment

Periodontal disease is a serious condition of the gums that should not go left untreated. If a dentist is not seen to treat the gums, the individual may begin losing teeth. While periodontal disease is serious, there are several types of valuable treatments available.

Surgery is a common form of action, but depending on the severity of the condition, a non-surgical procedure called scaling and root planning may be suitable.

Overview of the Process

Scaling and root planning is actually a deep teeth cleaning procedure that is ideal in the early stages of periodontal disease. During this time, the individual’s teeth may develop pockets or abnormal spaces between the teeth. If these pockets increase in size, the teeth will begin to pull away from the gum and eventually fall out.

The excessive bacteria that exist on the teeth may also be accidentally swallowed and make the individual feel ill. This situation is very serious for individuals with heart-related conditions because the bacteria can enter they bloodstream and cause inflammation in the chambers of the heart.

Scaling and root planing is typically administered as a single treatment under local anesthesia, unless there is a significant amount of tooth damage. During the “scaling” part of the procedure the dentist uses mechanical tools to remove excess bacteria from the teeth. The bacteria may be in the form of plaque, tartar, or decay.

The “planing” portion of the procedure involves cleaning below the gum level. Since bacteria may not be visible, the dentist feels for rough surfaces and uses a hand instrument to remove any debris or bacteria. There are two common types of hand instruments: an ultrasonic or scraping tool. Dental patients tend to prefer the ultrasonic tool because it causes less discomfort.

Suitable Candidates

To determine if an individual’s periodontal disease is suitable for scaling and root planing, dentists use a guideline provided by the American Dental Association (ADA). According to the ADA, gum disease that extends between 3-6 millimeters below the gum line is suitable for scaling and root planning. Gum disease that is deeper than this amount probably requires surgery.

After the Procedure

Since scaling and root planing involves the dentist working on sensitive areas of the teeth and gums, individuals may experience some soreness, pain, and mild bleeding after the procedure. The individual may also notice a temporary sensitivity to hot or cold beverages.

In most cases, over-the-counter medicine is sufficient to relieve the symptoms. The dentist should be contacted if they last for an extended period of time.

Find The Best Dental Plans in Your Area, Top Companies


Source by David L Greene

Filed Under: Cleanings

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Get Dental Information

  • Oral Exams
  • Cleanings
  • Fillings
  • Extractions
  • Crowns
  • Root Canals
  • Oral Surgery
  • Implants
  • Dentures
Find Dental Plans

Latest

  • Fast Toothache Pain Remedies
  • 8 New Age Ways To Googles
  • What You Should Do To Find Out About British Casino Before You’re Left Behind
  • Little Identified Ways to Online Casino Slots
  • Three Methods to Make Your New Online Casinos Simpler
  • Six Surprisingly Effective Ways To Uk Online Slots
  • Do not get Too Excited. You May not be Performed With Uk Online Casinos List
  • 8 Easy Steps To More Googles Sales
  • Difference Between a Cosmetic Dentist and a Regular Dentist
  • Can Adults Still Have Baby Teeth?
  • How to Find a Best Dentist
  • Services Offered by Affordable Dentists
  • Sedation Cosmetic Dentistry – Find Out Who Needs This Kind Of Treatment
  • Correction of Jaw Asymmetry With Implants
  • Skillful Practice Of A Contemporary Esthetics
  • Use of Stem Cells in Dental Implants
  • Comments: Slash Your Dental Treatment Costs and Get Free Holiday!
  • Tips on Getting Same Day Dental Implants
  • Get a Gorgeous New Look With a Cosmetic Smile Makeover
  • How To Brush Your Teeth Correctly – Personal Dental Care

Copyright © 2023 ยท DentalHelps.com