Scaling and Root Planing

Routine cleanings are performed to prevent gum diseases while scaling and root planing are performed to treat gum diseases. These are non-surgical deep cleaning procedures that thoroughly clean plaque, tartar, calculus, and bacterial toxins from both above and below the gumline.

What are the benefits of scaling of scaling and root planing?

Scaling and root planing provide the following benefits:

• Plaque and tartar deposits if left untreated, lead to gum diseases. Gum disease has been closely linked with heart diseases and lung infections. Scaling and root planing help remove the layers of plaque and bacteria that cause gum diseases. 
• Periodontitis causes gum and bone recession. The teeth start to become loose and eventually fall out. Root planing and scaling help in reducing abscess pockets that cause bone and gum loss. 
• Scaling and root planing help remove plaque and tartar deposits and leave your teeth clean and bright. This will improve your confidence and self-esteem. 
• Plaque and tartar deposits with abscess pockets cause bad breath. Scaling and root planing help in getting rid of the foul breath by successfully removing trapped food particles, plaque, and tartar.

What happens during scaling and root planing?

Scaling and root planing are performed after a thorough X-ray examination. Your dentist will determine the depth of plaque and tartar deposits to devise a treatment plan. Scaling and root planing are carried out under the effect of local anesthesia.

Scaling

Scaling is performed to remove plaque and tartar deposits from above and below the gumline. Your dentist identifies the areas of plaque and tartar deposits through touch and uses a dental scaler and a curette to manually eliminate them. 

Ultrasonic scaling instruments can also be used to perform scaling. The instrument has a vibrating tip and a water spray. The vibrating tip identifies areas of plaque deposits and chips them off, while the water spray cleans abscess and plaque pockets below the gumline. An antimicrobial is used to irrigate the gums to remove bacteria.

Your dentist divides the mouth into halves or four quadrants. Each portion of the mouth is addressed separately. Thus, scaling may require multiple visits to the dentist's office.

Root Planing

Root planing is performed after dental scaling. Root planing accesses the deeper regions and addresses the tooth's roots. It smooths the rough root surfaces for the gums to reattach themselves. Smooth roots prevent plaque, tartar, and bacteria from re-adhering below the gumline and allow your gums to heal and reattach themselves more securely.

After scaling and root planing, the gums are given an antibiotic treatment to accelerate healing and sooth irritation. 

We, at Bliss Dentistry of Campbell, California, cater to all your needs pertaining to dental services and routine exams. Our Campbell dentists with their entire team persevere to provide you with exceptional treatment that enhances and maintains the beauty of your smile. If you have any further question, queries or dental emergencies and are looking for an experienced dentist in the South Bay Area, feel free to contact us at (408) 963-6678 to schedule an appointment.