Root Scaling and Planing in Albany, OR
Patients with gum disease can benefit from root scaling and planing. This treatment is a key part of restoring healthy gums and teeth. Root scaling and planing treatments can combat the harmful effects of gum disease and keep your mouth healthy.
Root scaling and root planing treatments are available at West Albany Dental in Albany and the surrounding area. Our team can help improve your oral health. Call us at (541) 249-7319 to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment.
An Overview of Root Scaling and Planing
Root scaling is a periodontal treatment that deep cleans the gums. This treatment is more extensive than the routine cleaning during a regular dental check-up. We will remove all plaque, bacterial toxins, and tartar deposits from the teeth and root surfaces during the procedure. A dental scaler or ultrasonic instrument can also assist in clearing the bacterial buildup.
For even deeper cleaning, patients can also have a root planing treatment. During root planing, we will clean under the gum line to remove plaque and tartar. The root surface of the gums is smoothed and treated to keep gum disease from progressing. These non-surgical procedures aim to remove bacteria from the gum and root with patients with deep periodontal pockets.
When To Receive Root Scaling and Planing
We recommend root scaling and root planing to combat chronic periodontal disease, also known as gum disease. Patients with receding gums can also benefit from this treatment. During a routine dental examination, we will assess the patient’s gum line and periodontal pockets. Deep pockets may indicate signs of periodontal disease and necessitate root scaling or planing.
Without root scaling or root planing treatment, people with periodontal disease can suffer additional oral and overall health problems. Eventually, the bacteria from diseased gums can lead to receding gums, tooth loss, bone loss, or loose teeth. Root scaling and planing can help repair some of the damage and prevent further gum damage. Additional treatments may be necessary in cases where the periodontal pockets have become deeper.
A Breakdown of the Procedure
Depending on the severity of the situation, root scaling and planing treatments may be broken up into multiple appointments. These procedures are done on an outpatient basis. Patients may or may not need a local anesthetic to numb the treatment site. We may focus on certain parts of the mouth during each appointment instead of treating the entire area in one visit.
Root scaling occurs before root planing. We will scrape plaque deposits from the teeth and in the large pockets between the gums during root scaling. During root planing, we will go deeper into the gum line to remove bacteria and plaque. We will smooth out the roots deep within the gum line, clearing off tartar build-up and bacteria. At the end of the procedure, the gums and mouth are flushed with water to remove any remaining loose residue or bacteria.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Root Scaling Treatment
One of the biggest benefits of root scaling and root planing is that it helps prevent further gum disease. After treatment, patients will have cleaner mouths with fewer gum problems and cavities. Healthier gums feel less tender and will not bleed while flossing or brushing.
Root scaling and planing may not be the best treatment option for everyone. Patients who do not commit to excellent oral hygiene habits may not see as many benefits in the future. Additionally, immunocompromised individuals or patients with severely receding gums may not be candidates for the treatment.
Treatment Aftercare
Gum sensitivity is normal during the first few days after this deep cleaning treatment. The gums may be tender, swollen, and even bleed. We recommend that patients gently brush their teeth and use wax-coated floss. They should also periodically rinse their mouth with warm salt water or an oral rinse to prevent infection.
A follow-up appointment is necessary so that we can check for gum improvement. If the gums are firm and pink again and the pockets are smaller, patients may not need further treatment. People can then schedule regular dental check-ups to maintain gum and oral health.
