What to Know About Deep Scaling and Root Planing

Scaling and planning are a comprehensive cleaning method used to clean teeth to address issues like gum disease in its early stages. The teeth naturally collect plaque and tartar that are removed with a brush. If this does not take away the build-up and you have got plaque on the roots of the teeth, then you will require getting your teeth planed. 

Planning and scaling are common in gum disease cases that are beginning to cut the gum of your teeth. It could lead to bacteria expanding towards the base of the teeth. This could lead to issues like tooth or bone loss. 

Scaling: is the procedure of removing plaque or other imperfections on the tooth’s surface, whether the tooth’s crown or the tooth’s root. 

Planning: removing portions of tooth’s surfaces (cementum enamel, cementum, and the dentin on the cover) that contain microorganisms or bacteria. 

They are usually used in conjunction known as a ‘deep cleaning’. 

Root planning and scaling are among the most commonly used techniques used in periodontal treatment. The treatments are used to eliminate the bacterial calculus and plaque from the tooth surface. A normal junctional epithehum can be restored in areas that have all subgingival plaque and calculus have been removed. 

The root planning process is “the process by which calculus, plaque, and the diseased cementum are eliminated from the exposed root.” Root planning is accomplished with the help of instruments for the root surfaces like sealers, curets, and ultrasonics or burs, as a set or in conjunction. 

Truth About Recessing Gums? 

Gum recession occurs when the gums around the teeth begin to pull away from the tooth. It could cause many issues because gums assist in holding teeth in position. So, receding gums may cause loose teeth. Furthermore, receding gums can be susceptible to creating what is known as pockets within the periodontal region, and these are spaces that can accumulate harmful food particles and oral bacteria. This can cause gum disease and severe tooth decay, among other dental issues. 

What Is Periodontal Disease? 

Periodontal disease and tooth decay are the two most significant threats to your teeth. Most periodontal issues are caused by irritation and infections of gums and bones that support and surround the teeth. In the initial stages of gingivitis, gums may appear red, swollen, and bleeding. In the more severe periodontitis version, the gums can be removed from the tooth, and the bone could lose its strength causing the teeth to become loose or even fall out. The majority of adults suffer from periodontal issues. 

If you have periodontal disease, your dentist might suggest scaling and root planning to treat the problem. Regular dental cleanings (prophylaxis) typically clean over the gum line but are not recommended to treat periodontal diseases. The plaque forms on the tooth’s surface near the gumline as periodontal disease. If it is not adequately removed, bacteria will move under the gums, onto the root’s surface, and then into the bone and tissue surrounding it. When the bacteria penetrate beneath the gum, they destroy the tissues and bones that hold the tooth in the position. A few signs of periodontal diseases include bad breath, red swelling gums that are bleeding, recession, or loose teeth. 

After the tarter and bacterial plaque have been removed from root and tooth surfaces, healing is likely to begin. The tissues will have the chance to recover their health and attach to the tooth’s surface. However, the loss of bone is not reversible. This is why it is crucial to treat periodontal disease at its early stages before it can seriously damage the bone. 

Why Do I Need It? 

Gingivitis is a long-term condition that can lead to severe gum and tooth decay when not addressed. Gingivitis is a word that could cause anxiety in the patient’s mind. But the treatment is straightforward and can be done in the dental office. 

The plaque and tartar that sit on the teeth provide a place for bacteria to thrive and multiply. The bacteria cause the gums to become irritated and then bleed out. The signs are more noticeable when you brush your teeth. Sometimes, they appear after eating food. These are signs of the initial stage of gingivitis. Treatment for gingivitis is simple: having a dental hygiene scale performed by a hygienist and cleaning your teeth. If gingivitis is not treated, it will worsen, and the root may require root planning. The difference between root planning and scaling is a simple one. Scaling is removing the dental tartar from the tooth’s surface. Root planning involves smoothing the areas of the roots and then removing the damaged tooth structure. 

If you are a patient diagnosed with active gum disease, routine dental cleaning is not enough to cure the condition. SRP differentiates itself from regular dental cleaning since it penetrates below the gums into deep pockets with the highest concentration of harmful deposits and bacteria. If people suffer from periodontitis, the gums will grow and create pockets that hold toxic substances and harmful bacteria. SRP is vital to wash those gum pockets. 

If you know of gum disease in the beginning stage, SRP may be the only option to heal the gums. If the gums are not treated, the gum disease could cause bone loss and tooth loss if patients undergo surgery for periodontal issues because of more severe gum disease. In this scenario, SRP is often done before surgery to limit the chance of infection. 

Why Scaling And Root Planning Is Required If I Go To The Dentist Regularly? 

Periodontal maintenance procedures are recommended between your regular dental cleanings, typically every 3 to 4 months because of the time it takes harmful bacteria to develop. They are similar to regular dental cleanings because they are one-time cleansing of the whole mouth. You may experience mild reactions to the procedure for a few days or a week. 

What Is The Procedure Of Root Planning? 

The procedure will numb the roots of your teeth and the gums to ensure there is not any discomfort in the course of the treatment. It may take a few hours for the effects to fade once the scaling and planning are done thoroughly. Sometimes, you will have to spread the treatment out over multiple visits depending on the extent of your gum problem and the number of teeth that need to be cleaned. 

The dentist employs the instrument for cleaning, which is like the scalpel used to remove plaque and tartar from between your gums and tooth and down to your root. There are times when ultrasonic instruments could also be used. They are employed only to ensure that the teeth are cleaned effectively. The antibiotic-soaked fibers are placed between your gums and your teeth to speed up the healing process and prevent any infection. Usually, after about a week, they are taken out. 

It is normal to experience a little discomfort following the procedure. But, any symptoms of pain or increased sensitivities will quickly subside. After two or three days following the process, you might have to employ using painkillers, such as Ibuprofen or Paracetamol. It is also possible to experience minor bleeding for a couple of days after the procedure. 

Aftercare Recovery 

After undergoing the scaling and planning process, it is essential to begin an intensive program for your oral hygiene to ensure your teeth are healthy and prevent the spreading of infections. Be sure to wash your teeth after every meal and apply a daily mouthwash. 

There may be some discomfort for a couple of weeks following the root planning and scaling:

• Try gargling with mouthwash or lukewarm water with salt once every couple of hours to alleviate pain and speed the healing process. 
• Be careful not to touch any part that has been extensively cleaned using your fingers or tongue. This will only irritate your gums. 
• Avoid taking aspirin as pain relief. It slows blood flow and causes bleeding to become more severe. 
• Hot drinks and spicy foods should be avoided after root scaling or root planning, as they irritate gums. 
• Smoking tobacco can delay the healing process. 
• It is a good idea to change your toothbrush as often as you can around a week after root planning and scaling. This is because bacteria from gum disease could be in your mouth, and you may re-invite them again by using the toothbrush the same way. 

There is a higher risk of developing illness as a result of this procedure in case the patient: 

• Smokes 
• Has a weak immune system 
• Suffers from a heart issue 
• Have had any significant medical procedures in the past 
• Have had artificial organs 

The procedure for planning and scaling has been considered a secure and straightforward procedure that could yield outstanding outcomes if you adhere to the recommendations from your trusted dental professional. It can help prevent gum disease and allow the gums to heal over time.