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What Does a Scaling and Root Planing Actually Do? |
Posted on 8/24/2020 by Todd Jorgenson |
 If you have gum disease, you need to see about having a deep professional cleaning known as a scaling and root planing. This type of treatment will help us help you save your teeth and give them the cleaning they need to stay anchored and strong.
What Does Scaling Involve and What Does Root Planing Do?
While scaling enables us to clean away the tartar and plaque below the gum line, root planing permits us to smooth the root so the gum can reattach itself to the tooth. This two-step process gives you the opportunity to reverse a gum infection and significantly improve the health of your gums and teeth. Therefore, when you opt for the procedure, you can restore the health of your teeth, provided you regularly follow an at-home plan of daily brushing and flossing.
What Happens During and After a Scaling and Root Planing Treatment?
We use special tools to deep clean the teeth below the gum line. The first part of the process entails removing plaque and tartar below and above the gum line. We make sure that we thoroughly clean the tooth to the bottom of the pocket. We then perform the second part of the process to plane or smooth the roots. You may have to visit our office more than one time to ensure a successful outcome. After the cleaning, you may experience pain for a couple days as well as tooth sensitivity for about a week. The gums may feel tender and bleed and also be swollen. To reduce the chance of infection, we may insert a medication, such as doxycycline, into the dental pockets. You will need to see us for a follow-up visit to check the depth of the pockets. If they are still too large, we will need to schedule another cleaning.
While this periodontal process may seem laborious, it can have a good outcome if you remain focused and diligent. If you have noticed problems with recession or gaps between the gums and teeth, give us a call. The sooner you address the problem, the more confident you will feel about your future dental health. Contact our professional team to schedule a consultation.
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