Scale And Plan: A Deep Cleaning Story

Seeing your dentist every six months for a professional cleaning is the best way to keep your teeth and gums healthy. But sometimes, you might need more than just a cleaning.

Plaque is the Enemy

Plaque is the sticky substance that forms a film over your teeth. Bacteria can get caught in this film and wreak havoc on your gums. Your gums can begin to pull away from your teeth in small sections creating pockets. Bacteria can get trapped in these pockets and the next thing you know, you have gum disease.

A Professional Cleaning

When gum disease occurs, no amount of regular brushing or flossing can cure it. The bacteria in the gum pockets must be cleaned out and removed by a professional. Luckily, when gum disease is caught early, simple steps can be taken to rectify the problem. However, if gum disease has gone on too long, it can cause trouble for the teeth and bone around the infected area.

Scaling

The good news is, your dentist can do a deep cleaning to attempt to reverse the damage to your gums. The deep cleaning is called a scaling and it is the best non-surgical way to treat gum disease. During a scaling, your dentist or hygienist will use a manual hand instrument to scrape away the plaque and tartar both above and below the gum line and all the way to the bottom of the pocket. Sometimes, an ultrasonic tool can be used as well, which uses a vibrating metal tip to scrape away plaque and a water spray to wash it away.

Root Planning

If your gum disease is advanced, your dentist might do root planning after the scaling. Root planning involves scaling the root surface of your teeth to smooth out rough areas, eliminate plaque, and give your gums a better chance to re-adhere to your teeth. The ultimate goal is to heal and close the pockets so you can have healthy gums once again.

How Does It Feel?

Does it hurt? During the procedure, you’ll likely have a topical numbing agent applied to reduce the sensitivity, depending on how far your gum disease has progressed. And if you’ve ever had sensitivity after a regular professional cleaning, chances are you’ll have sensitivity after a scaling and root planning. You might feel uncomfortable for a day or two after the procedure and your gums might be swollen or feel tender. You dentist will instruct you on how to take care of your gums and mouth post-procedure.

Scaling and root planning need not be scary; after all, the alternative of losing your tooth is much more frightening! At Community Dental group, we’ll walk you through the whole process so you know what to expect and how to prepare. There’s no need to fear when it comes to good dental health.