If you recently learned you need scaling and root planing, you might wonder what the procedure involves and why it’s necessary. Here at Carolina Dental Care, our patient-centric dentist, Dr. Andrew Spiguzza, and our dedicated team believe that our patients deserve to understand their oral health needs, so we go out of our way to help you know what to expect during dental procedures. This blog is one way we reach out to our patients with crucial information, and today, we cover scaling and root planing.
Understanding Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is a deep-cleaning procedure for your gums. It can stop chronic gum disease (periodontitis) in its tracks. Chronic periodontitis affects almost half of adults over 30. If untreated, mild or moderate periodontitis can turn into a severe form of the disease, which can cause tooth loss and bone loss.
Untreated chronic periodontitis also raises the risk of heart disease, dementia, stroke, and other potentially life-threatening complications. Scaling and root planing can stop that progression. This combo procedure may save your smile and your health.
Why Scaling and Root Planing Is Necessary
A typical dental cleaning removes plaque and tartar from above the gum line. While it’s an important procedure for everyone, there are times when it’s not enough. People with periodontitis have plaque and tartar lurking below the gums. They often develop pockets where the gums gape away from the tooth.
Bacteria flourish in these pockets, leading to gum tissue death, tooth loss, and bone loss if untreated. Only scaling and root planing can reach into these hidden pockets, remove the harmful plaque and tartar, and give your gums a fresh start.
What Happens During the Procedure?
The two-part scaling and root planing procedure involves:
Scaling
Your specialist removes plaque and tartar below the gums using an ultrasonic scaler. The scaler vibrates and blasts tartar into tiny, easily removed pieces.
Root Planing
After root planing, tooth roots are rough. Root planing smooths them, which helps repel bacteria and promotes gum reattachment.
What Happens After Scaling and Root Planing
After your procedure, it’s normal to experience some sensitivity, swelling, and minor bleeding. These symptoms subside in a few days. Follow Dr. Spiguzza’s aftercare instructions, such as using a special mouth rinse, avoiding certain foods, and following a strict oral hygiene plan to support fast healing.
Schedule Scaling and Root Planing in Loris, SC
If you’ve got gum disease, don’t risk your smile by delaying your scaling and root planing. Call our Loris office today at 843-756-2273 to schedule your deep gum cleaning.
