Do your gums bleed when you brush your teeth? Or do you find it difficult to smile and talk to a friend because of the bad breath? These are not just random things. This could be an early sign of gum disease. When you go to see a dentist, he or she may tell you to get a 'Deep Cleaning', which means a deep cleaning of your teeth. Let's talk about this simply and clearly today.
What is Scaling and Root Planing?
Simply put, this is a deeper cleaning than a regular teeth cleaning. Think about it, it's not like we sweep the house, sometimes we take out the cupboards and beds, and clean the dirt and dust under them, right? This is something like that.
If you have gum disease, a condition medically known as Periodontitis , you may need this deep cleaning. The main symptoms of this are swollen gums and bleeding when brushing your teeth.
There are two parts to this treatment:
- Scaling: This involves removing plaque and tartar from your teeth, especially above the gums.
- Root Planing: This involves smoothing the surface of the tooth root beneath the gum line. This removes plaque and tartar that have built up there, and reduces the chance of new bacteria from attaching.
When these two treatments are combined, disease-causing bacteria are eliminated and your oral health is greatly improved. This is not surgery. This is usually the first treatment for gum disease.
Who can have this treatment?
There are people who have received special training for this.
- Dentists
- Dental Hygienists
- Periodontists
How is this treatment done?
When you go for this treatment, the doctor will follow these steps.
1. Numbness: First, a local anesthetic is given to the area around the gum so that you don't feel any pain.
2. Scaling: Next, special instruments (hand scalers) or an ultrasonic instrument are used to scrape away all the tartar and calculus from your teeth and below the gum line.
3. Root Planing: Next, the root surface of the tooth is smoothed out. This reduces the chance of bacteria re-adhering.
Sometimes, the doctor may insert antibiotics around the root of the tooth or prescribe antibiotics to take after treatment.
The entire process usually takes about an hour or two. Sometimes your dentist will clean all of your teeth in one day. Or, you may have to do it twice, one day on one side of your mouth and the other on the other. It depends on your condition and your dentist's decision.
What are the benefits of this treatment?
A deep dental cleaning provides you with several benefits. Let's take a look at what they are.
| The benefit | What happens to it? |
|---|---|
| Loss of bad breath | This cleaning removes the bacteria that cause bad breath (halitosis), so you can speak and smile with confidence again. |
| Improved oral and overall health | Did you know that harmful bacteria in the mouth can travel through the bloodstream to other parts of the body and cause problems? This treatment removes those bacteria, which is good for the health of the entire body. |
| Preventing tooth loss and receding gums | When gum disease becomes severe, teeth can become loose and fall out. This risk can be avoided by getting this treatment early. |
| Reduced risk of severe gum disease | The longer you delay treatment, the more bacteria will multiply and the worse the disease will become. So it is very important to do this on time. |
Are there any risks in this?
Major complications are usually very rare. However, sometimes these things can happen. It's not something to be afraid of, but it's important to be aware of these.
| Possible situation | What you need to know |
|---|---|
| Bleeding | It's normal to bleed a little after treatment, but if the bleeding doesn't stop or is heavy, call your doctor right away. |
| Receding gums | If your gums were swollen before treatment, the swelling will go down once the infection is gone, allowing the root of the tooth to become slightly visible. |
| Infections | To reduce this risk, your doctor may give you antibiotics. |
| Teeth grinding | After cleaning, your teeth may feel a little loose for a few days. This will go away as the gums tighten back around the tooth. |
| Tooth sensitivity | Once the tartar has been removed, your teeth may be slightly sensitive to hot and cold. This usually subsides within a month or two. |
| Minor pain/discomfort | Your gums may be a little sore for a few days after the treatment. You can take a general painkiller as directed by your doctor. |
Do I need to see the doctor again after treatment?
It usually heals quickly. Most people can return to their normal activities the same day. Since this is not a major surgery, there are no stitches required. You can eat and drink anything you like if you are not in pain.
However, your doctor will give you a set of specific instructions. Following those instructions exactly is very important for a speedy recovery.
If something like this suddenly happens, be sure to inform your doctor:
- If there is bleeding that cannot be stopped
- If the pain does not subside even after taking painkillers
- If you experience severe swelling of the gums or face
Is this really necessary?
Yes. Absolutely. This is the only way to remove the tartar and bacteria that are deeply embedded in the gums. Imagine, your toothbrush can never remove this tartar and bacteria that are under the gums. It's like sweeping the floor of a room and not getting rid of the dirt under the bed. That's how it is.
To maintain healthy teeth and gums, professional cleanings and daily care at home (brushing and flossing) are equally important.
We only get one set of teeth in our lifetime. No one wants to lose them because of gum disease. Fortunately, if you have periodontal disease (Periodontitis), this Scaling and Root Planing treatment can save your beautiful smile.
Take-Home Message
- Tooth Scaling and Root Planing is a specialized treatment for gum disease that goes deeper than a regular teeth cleaning.
- This will eliminate bad breath, prevent tooth decay, and improve your overall health.
- It is normal to experience some tooth numbness and mild pain for a few days after treatment. These will go away after a few days.
- To avoid the need for this treatment again, it is essential to brush your teeth thoroughly daily and take care of your oral hygiene.
- Follow your dentist's instructions exactly. If you have any problems, let them know immediately.
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