Know About Root Planing and Scaling for Healthy Teeth
For many people, the thought of visiting the dentist can be a daunting prospect. From the dreaded drill sound to the anxiety of potential pain, there is a lot to be anxious about. However, with the right knowledge and understanding, it doesn’t have to be so nerve-wracking. One of the most common dental procedures is root planing and scaling, a process that helps keep teeth healthy and clean.
It is important to understand what this procedure entails in order to make an informed decision about your dental health. Root planing and scaling is a common, non-surgical procedure used to clean the teeth below the gum line and remove plaque and tartar buildup.
It is generally recommended for people who have gum disease or are at risk of developing gum disease. By understanding the benefits and risks of root planing and scaling, you can make an informed decision about your dental health and ensure that your teeth remain healthy for years to come.
What is root planing and scaling?
Root planing and scaling, also known as prophylaxis, is a dental procedure used to clean the teeth below the gum line and remove plaque and tartar buildup. The procedure is performed by your dentist or hygienist, and is often completed using ultrasonic scalers and fine-toothed root planing instruments.
Other tools, such Root path or polishing tools, may also be used as part of the prophylaxis procedure to remove plaque and tartar. Root planing and scaling is often completed as a multi-stage procedure. First, your teeth are scaled with special instruments that remove plaque and tartar.
Next, the gum tissue around your teeth is cleaned and treated with antiseptics and other chemicals to kill bacteria. Finally, the teeth are polished with special tools to remove any remaining plaque and tartar build-up. Root planing and scaling can be completed as an individual procedure or as part of a check-up.
Benefits of root planing and scaling
– Improved oral health – Root planing and scaling is an important dental procedure used to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth. When left untreated, plaque and tartar buildup can lead to gum disease, also known as periodontal disease. If left untreated, gum disease can cause serious health problems, including tooth loss.
Regular root planing and scaling can significantly reduce your risk of developing gum disease and maintaining a healthy oral hygiene routine. – Improved oral hygiene – By removing plaque and tartar buildup from the teeth, root planing and scaling helps improve your oral hygiene routine. The procedure can also be used to improve a patient’s oral hygiene if they are experiencing plaque buildup as a result of wearing dentures.
The process of brushing and flossing can be challenging and uncomfortable for people who wear dentures. Root planing and scaling can help reduce plaque buildup that can lead to bad breath and tooth decay by removing food particles. – Better overall oral health – Root planing and scaling is an important procedure in maintaining overall oral health.
By removing plaque and tart-ar buildup from the teeth, the procedure can help prevent tooth decay and bad breath. – Improved dental health – When performed as a part of a check-up, root planing and scaling can help detect issues with the teeth and gums prior to them becoming a serious problem.
The procedure can help your dentist determine if there is a need for additional dental work or if other treatments are necessary. – Fewer dental visits – Root planing and scaling can be completed in one or two dental appointments, making it a time-efficient procedure. The procedure can also be used as a preventative measure to maintain oral health and reduce the need for dental visits in the future.
Risks of root planing and scaling
– Tooth sensitivity – Some patients report an increase in tooth sensitivity following root planing and scaling. Your dentist can recommend ways to ease tooth sensitivity and make sure your teeth are healthy and comfortable. – Loose teeth – Excessive amounts of force during root planing and scaling can lead to loose teeth.
Depending on the extent of damage, loose teeth may require additional treatment, including a root canal. – Damage to the gums and teeth – Root planing and scaling can result in damage to the gum tissue and teeth if proper dental tools and procedures are not used. – Infection – Bacteria can build up in the gum tissue and lead to an infection if not removed properly during root planing and scaling.
What to expect during the root planing and scaling procedure
The root planing and scaling procedure is likely to be completed as a part of a check-up, and will likely take between 30 and 60 minutes. The first step in the procedure is to numb the gums with a local anesthetic, which will help to prevent any potential pain during the procedure. Your dentist or hygienist will then use special instruments to remove the plaque and tartar buildup from the teeth.
Next, the gum tissue around the teeth will be cleaned and treated with antiseptics. During this part of the procedure, your dentist may need to remove a small amount of gum tissue if they notice signs of gum disease. Finally, the teeth will be polished with special tools to remove any remaining plaque and tartar buildup.
Post-procedure care
After the root planing and scaling procedure, you may experience some mild swelling and sensitivity in the gums. Your dentist will likely prescribe you a post-procedure care plan to make sure you are comfortable and the gums are healing properly.
It is important to follow your dentist’s recommendations, including brushing and flossing regularly and using mouthwash. Avoid consuming foods and beverages that cause excessive amounts of plaque and tartar buildup. This can include sugary and high-carbohydrate foods. It is also important to visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and to maintain a healthy dental hygiene routine.
Root planing and scaling is commonly completed as a part of a general dental check-up. During a check-up, your dentist will likely inspect the teeth and gums, and recommend any necessary treatments. Your dentist may also recommend following a specific dental hygiene routine to keep your teeth healthy and clean.
When to consider root planing and scaling
Root planing and scaling is generally recommended for people who have gum disease or are at risk of developing gum disease. This can include people who wear dentures, pregnant women and those who have orthodontic braces.
It is important to note that you should visit your dentist if you experience any of the following symptoms to determine if root planing and scaling is necessary: – Bad breath – Problems flossing – Bleeding while flossing – Loose teeth – Sensitivity in the gums – Gum pockets measuring more than 3 millimeters
Preventing future plaque and tartar buildup
To prevent future plaque and tartar buildup, it is important to follow a healthy dental hygiene routine. This includes brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing once a day and scheduling regular dental visits.
It is also important to avoid consuming high-carbohydrate and sugary foods, as they can lead to plaque and tartar buildup. It is important to visit the dentist regularly for check-ups and cleaning appointments, and be sure to maintain a healthy dental hygiene routine to prevent future plaque and tartar buildup.
Alternatives to root planing and scaling
There are several alternative methods to root planing and scaling, including scaling and polishing, laser dentistry and ultrasonic scalers. When deciding on the best method, it is important to consider the benefits and drawbacks of each option, as well as their associated costs.
Scaling and polishing is a manual dental procedure that can be completed in a single dental appointment. The procedure is generally completed using hand tools, and can help reduce the potential risks associated with root planing and scaling.
Although it is a more traditional dental procedure, scaling and polishing is a relatively affordable option compared to more modern dental procedures such as laser dentistry. Laser dentistry, also known as soft tissue laser therapy, uses a laser to remove plaque and tartar buildup from the teeth.
While fewer studies have been conducted on the efficacy of laser dentistry when compared to ultrasonic scalers, the procedure is generally regarded as a more modern and effective method. It is important to note that laser dentistry carries a higher price tag than other dental procedures, and is often not covered by insurance.
