Everything About Scaling and Root Planning

When was the last time that you visited a dental professional? If the answer is, over a year ago, we strongly suggest you schedule the appointment now. 

If you postpone your dental checkups, you will develop plaque and tartar buildup and might need to visit a periodontist in Los Angeles. We will discuss gum disease and its treatment below.

What is Gum Disease?

Gum disease is a condition that affects the gums, bone, and surrounding connective tissue of teeth. When you eat, bits of food debris remain in your mouth, and if you don’t remove them, bacteria thrive with them and produce acids that wear away your enamel, leading to tooth decay.

Although dental plaque is the most common cause of gum disease, there are other causes, such as hormonal dysfunction and some medications (such as mental health medication). 

What are the Consequences of Untreated Gum Disease?

If untreated, dental plaque and tartar keep building up around and beneath the gum line. The gingiva recedes, and the tooth loses its support. Teeth start shifting, and when gum disease is at the most severe stage (advanced periodontitis), they fall out.

Luckily, you can prevent gum disease. If you visit a periodontist near you when you have Gingivitis (the first stage), they will suggest you take better care of your teeth and gums. It is sufficient to brush your teeth twice a day and floss between teeth to reverse this condition and make your gums heal. You will also need teeth cleaning with a dental hygienist to remove plaque buildup.

Treatment of Periodontitis

If Gingivitis advances to periodontitis, the treatment is more invasive. You will need to look for scaling and root planning near you.

What is Scaling and Root Planning?

Scaling and root planning in Los Angeles is a dental procedure that a periodontist dentist near you performs when your gum disease is advanced. It consists of scaling tartar away so your gums can re-attach to your dentition. Then, your dentist will plan the roots to make their surface smooth.

Regular brushing doesn’t remove tartar (hardened dental plaque).

What Can I Expect from the Procedure?

The procedure can take more than one appointment, depending on the severity of the condition. 

First, your dental professional will take a set of x-rays to check on your bone. They will also probe your gingiva to detect how deep is the periodontal pocket.

Your doctor will administer a local anesthetic to numb the area and start removing plaque and tartar buildup with a dental instrument called “scaler”; next, they will plan your roots to make them smooth and plaque-free.

What Can I Expect After the Procedure?

During the following weeks (four to six), you may experience sensitivity to hot and cold and sweet ítems. You may also notice minor bleeding while you brush your teeth, but it will cease after three days.

To prevent any discomfort, you may avoid hot meals during the first couple of weeks.

You may use an ultra-soft toothbrush to reduce the sensibility after the procedure. 

Your doctor might recommend desensitizing toothpaste and topical fluoride.

If you cannot handle the discomfort, you may take any over-the-counter pain medication, such as Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen.

 Re-evaluation

After four to six weeks, you will need a re-evaluation. Your dental professional will monitor the healing and determine if you need additional scaling or any antibiotics. Depending on the patient’s progress and daily habits, they might suggest periodontal maintenance every three months.

If you have further questions, you may contact our dental clinic. We have a team of dental professionals that look forward to helping you improve your smile and oral health.