Is Scale and Root Planing Painful?

Gum disease affects almost half of all Americans, and one of the most common methods for halting and reversing the effects of gum disease is a scale and root planing flower mound tx procedure. Although scale and root planing is an extremely effective method for treating gum disease, some people are hesitant to have the procedure performed because they are concerned that it will be painful.

Although there will be some discomfort involved in having this procedure performed, local anesthetics and dental sedation can be administered, which will significantly reduce if not eliminate procedural pain or discomfort. For patients who have extreme dental phobia and/or extreme gum or tooth sensitivity, stronger types of dental sedation may be available to help reduce your discomfort and anxiety.

Complications Following the Scale and Root Planing Procedure

Although you may not feel any discomfort during the scale and root planing procedure, you may begin to experience some mild discomfort once the sedation has worn off. The most common complications that may develop following the scale and root planing procedure include:

• Pain and Swelling: To help pain and/or swelling following your scale and root planing procedure, you may be prescribed pain-relieving medication and/or take over-the-counter medication such as acetaminophen or non-aspirin analgesic. Swelling can be managed by using ice packs for fifteen-minute intervals.
• Bleeding: Mild bleeding may occur following your procedure, but this should stop after two or three days. If bleeding persists, contact your dental office to schedule a follow-up examination.
• Sensitivity while brushing: It is recommended that you use a desensitizing toothpaste for the first few days following your procedure and/or prescription mouthwash for one to two weeks. While brushing, practice gentle brushing techniques until the pain and discomfort is gone, which typically occurs three to four days after the procedure, after which you can return to normal brushing.
• Tooth sensitivity: You may find that you are extremely sensitive to hot or cold foods or foods that are sweet. This usually beings to improve after the second day and resolves itself by the third or fourth.
• Jaw Discomfort: Though not very common, some patients will experience jaw discomfort associated with headaches and/or earaches. If this discomfort is not alleviated with over the counter pain relieving medication, contact your office for a follow-up.
• Fever: Also an uncommon reaction, some patients will develop a low-grade fever following the scale and root planing procedure. Taking Tylenol to reduce the fever and resting and hydrating should correct this issue.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Scale and Root Planing

Although there is some discomfort involved in the scale and root planing procedure, it may be helpful to consider the following benefits from having the procedure performed, which include:

• Halts and potentially reverses the progression of gum disease
• Reduced risk of tooth loss
• Reduced risk of decay
• Protects the roots of your teeth
• Can eliminate halitosis
• Fewer cavities
• Gums become less red or inflamed and are less susceptible to bleeding

If you have additional questions or concerns about the pain involved in the scale and root planing procedure, schedule an appointment to discuss treatment options with your dentist or periodontist. They will be able to provide you with professional insight into whether scale and root planning is the best treatment option for you, or if a different treatment option is needed to correct any underlying issues.

More on Scale & Root Planing : Scale & Root Planing Aftercare