What Is Scale and Root Planing?
Patients who have excessive plaque buildup and/or gum disease may be able to correct this issue with a scale and root planning frisco tx procedure. Unlike a standard cleaning, which cleans the surfaces of your teeth, a scale and root planning procedure reaches below the gumline in order to remove plaque buildup. This plaque can be removed using a dental scaler and curette and/or an ultrasonic instrument. Once the scaling process is complete, the surfaces of your teeth’s roots are smoothed in the same manner as scaling. Smoothing these roots allows for your gums to properly reattach and inhibits the accumulation of bacteria.
What to Expect Afterwards
Though some patients may only require one appointment, scale and root planing typically requires multiple visits to address different areas of your mouth, either in quadrants or halves. Following the scale and root planing procedure, it is common to experience bleeding and/or swelling for a few days, along with sensitivity and/or soreness. A follow up appointment will likely be necessary so your dentist or periodontist can examine your gums, measure your gum pockets, and ensure that you are healing properly. If any issues are identified, it may be necessary to pursue additional treatment options.
While a scale and root planing procedure is an effective method for stopping and reversing periodontal disease, it is important to continue practicing good oral hygiene habits to sustain your oral health. This includes brushing and flossing twice daily, scheduling regular dental checkups, and if necessary, taking additional care steps such as using prescription mouthwash, modifying your diet, making lifestyle changes, and/or scheduling examinations with greater frequency.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Scale and Root Planing
As is the case with all procedures, a scale and root planning procedure may or may not be the right treatment option for your specific needs and/or treatment goals. To help you decide whether you are a good candidate for a scale and root planning procedure, it may be helpful to consider the following benefits and drawbacks.
Benefits of scaling and root planing include:
- Halts and potentially reverses the progression of gum disease
- Reduces risk of tooth loss
- Reduces 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
Drawbacks of scale and root planing include:
- May require the use of anesthesia
- Increased risk of complications for patients with a suppressed immune system
- Can cause tooth sensitivity
- Multiple appointments may be necessary
- Does not cure periodontal disease, only corrects it
In addition to weighing these benefits and drawbacks, schedule an appointment to discuss treatment options with your dentist or periodontist. They can 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. This consultation will also provide you with an opportunity to ask any questions you may have, such as the cost involved, procedural steps, and what the recovery process is like following a scale and root planning procedure.
More on Scale & Root Planing : Scale & Root Planing Risks
