How is Scaling and Root Planing Done to Treat Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection of the gums and bone that affects the tissues around your teeth. It can lead to tooth loss if left untreated, so it’s important to visit a dentist in Fort Valley, GA, bleeding gums, receding gums, and bad breath. The dentist can opt for scaling and root planning as a treatment for gum disease.

Why Is Deep Cleaning Important?

Deep cleaning is a preventive measure that removes plaque and tartar from below the gum line. Plaque, which forms when bacteria on your teeth break down food particles into sticky, slimy deposits called tartar, can cause gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) and periodontal disease. It also allows for more thorough cleaning than regular dental visits because it removes plaque from below your gums—the area where it accumulates most easily—and reduces chances for further plaque accumulation in this area.

Deep cleaning also prevents tooth decay by removing harmful bacteria from around teeth before they can become cavities or fillings that need to be replaced with crowns or veneers later on down the road.

What is Scaling and Root Planing?

Periodontal scaling and root planing remove tartar and reverse gum disease. It’s not a replacement for surgery, but it can be used along with other treatments to treat gum disease and tooth decay.

It’s important to remember that scaling and root planing isn’t an all-inclusive treatment for your gums or teeth—you still need regular dental appointments (every six months) to keep them healthy!

What Happens During Scaling and Root Planing?

During your periodontal scaling and root planning procedure, your dentist will check the pockets between your gums and teeth. He will apply a topical numbing cream or local anesthesia to the affected area. He will start by scrapping out the tartar accumulated around the gum line and teeth. The dentist will then proceed to smoothen the teeth for gum reattachment. This helps to reduce the pockets formed in the gums and prevent further progression of the infection. The root scaling and planning procedure can be done in one or two dental visits depending on the severity of the problem.

Deep cleaning is the first line of treatment for gum disease. However, the dentist may use it with other gum disease treatments if you have advanced gum disease.

What Happens After Scaling and Root Planing Procedure?

• Temporary discomfort. You may experience mild pain, which should subside within a couple of hours. In addition, when scaling and root planing are performed on pockets with deep crevices that contain an infection, there’s a risk of bleeding or inflammation around these areas for several weeks after treatment.
• Tooth sensitivity can occur after the scaling and root planing, which may last for several days. You can use tooth-sensitive toothpaste to ease the discomfort.

What are the Risks of Scaling and Root Planing?

Scaling and root planing is a common treatment for periodontal disease, but it does come with some risks. Gum bleeding is the most common complication, which can occur during or after the procedure. In some cases, the gums may also become swollen and sore. In rare cases, an infection can occur. You might need to take medication or antibiotics to help prevent infection.

If you’re worried about what could happen during this process, talk with your dentist in Fort Valley, GA about how they can make it as painless as possible for you—and if there’s anything else they can do before those visits begin!

How Much Does Scaling and Root Planning Cost?

The scaling and root planning cost can vary depending on the severity and the number of teeth that need to be treated. In general, the procedure is covered by dental insurance. However, some insurance plans may only cover a portion of the cost. For those without insurance, the cost of scaling and root planning can range from $100 to $300 per tooth.

Schedule an Appointment

Visit Whitaker Family Dentistry for more information about scaling and root planning and what you expect during the procedure.