Restoring Gum Health Through Scaling
In periodontal disease, swollen gums begin to pull away from the teeth, creating pockets where plaque and tartar accumulate. Scaling, a key treatment, involves removing plaque, tartar, and bacteria from the tooth surfaces and roots using hand tools, electronic instruments, or a combination of both.
If you have gum disease, your dentist may recommend scaling and root planing, along with regular periodontal maintenance as part of your routine visits. While this procedure doesn’t cure periodontal disease, it can slow or halt its progression. By removing bacteria-laden plaque and tartar, scaling helps reduce gum inflammation and bone damage, promoting the healing of swollen, bleeding gums and reducing the need for surgery.
What is Scaling & Root Planing?
Scaling and root planing is the gold standard treatment for gum disease (periodontitis), often referred to as "deep cleaning" or "periodontal therapy." This procedure helps prevent the progression of gum disease. If you have periodontitis that may worsen, your dentist may recommend scaling and root planing to manage the condition. However, it’s important to understand that this is not a one-time treatment. Ongoing visits for scaling and root planing may be needed to maintain optimal oral health and effectively manage your condition.
Scaling and Root Planing Procedure
Scaling and root planing involves two main tools: a scaler and a curette. These handheld instruments, which resemble metal chopsticks with sharp, curved tips, are used to gently scrape plaque and tartar from tooth surfaces below the gum line, much like a regular dental cleaning.
Alternatively, electronic scalers use ultrasonic vibrations to break up plaque and tartar. The vibrating metal tip helps loosen buildup, while a water spray removes debris and keeps the tool cool during use.
In the root planing phase, the dentist or hygienist smooths the tooth root surface to prevent bacteria from adhering and to encourage gum reattachment. This is done using the same instruments, focusing on rough spots. A disinfectant or antibiotic may be applied afterward to reduce bacterial growth.
Since gums can be sensitive, especially when swollen from periodontitis, local anesthesia is used to ensure a pain-free experience. Typically, only one or two quadrants of the mouth are treated at a time, reducing numbness and allowing you to eat and drink comfortably as the anesthesia wears off.