Do your gums bleed when you brush your teeth? Or do your gums look swollen and red? These are not good signs. These can be early signs of gum disease. So, at times like these, you may need a deeper cleaning than a regular cleaning. That's why we use this special treatment we're talking about today, called 'Scaling and Root Planing'.
Simply put, what is Scaling and Root Planing?
This is a term used by dentists, but it's very simple. It's a little deeper than a regular teeth cleaning, meaning it goes below your gums. We also call this 'deep dental cleaning'.
This treatment is necessary if you have a condition called gingivitis, or periodontitis . This is when your gums become swollen and bleed.
This treatment has two parts:
1. Scaling: This involves scraping away plaque and tartar from your teeth and above the gum line.
2. Root Planing: This involves smoothing the root of the tooth, which is the part below the gum line. This removes plaque and tartar, preventing bacteria from re-adhering and growing.
When these two treatments are combined, disease-causing bacteria are eliminated and your oral health is greatly improved. This is not surgery. It is the first-line treatment for mild to moderate gum disease.
Who can have this treatment?
Only professionals who have received special training for this can do this.
- Dentist
- Dental Hygienist
- A specialist in gum disease (Periodontist)
How do you do this deep cleaning?
When you go for this treatment, your doctor or dental hygienist will follow these steps:
- First, your gums will be numbed: A local anesthetic will be injected into your gums so that you don't feel any pain.
- Scaling: Next, special instruments are used to scrape away tartar and plaque from above and below the gum line. This can be done using hand scalers or ultrasonic instruments.
- Planing: Finally, the surface of the tooth root is smoothed, reducing the chance of bacteria re-adhering.
Sometimes, the doctor may apply antibiotics around the root of the tooth or prescribe antibiotic pills to take after treatment.
The entire process usually takes about an hour or two. Sometimes, all of your teeth are cleaned in one day. Or, depending on your situation, you can have this treatment done in two sessions, one on one side and the other on the next.
What are the benefits of this treatment?
You will get these benefits from deep cleaning your teeth.
| Benefit | Simply put... |
|---|---|
| Loss of bad breath | This treatment eliminates the bacteria that cause bad breath (halitosis). |
| Improved oral and overall health | Bacteria in the mouth can travel through the bloodstream to other parts of the body. This treatment helps reduce those harmful bacteria and maintain overall health. |
| Preventing tooth loss and receding gums | Early treatment can prevent the serious consequences of gum disease, such as loose teeth, loose teeth, and receding gums. |
| Reduced risk of severe gum disease | The longer you delay treatment, the more bacteria can grow. Therefore, early treatment can prevent serious conditions. |
Are there any side effects that may occur after treatment?
Complications are rare, but it's good to be aware. There is a small chance that things like this could happen.
Remember, most of these are temporary and will go away completely in a few days or weeks.
| Possible situation | What you need to know |
|---|---|
| Bleeding | It's normal to bleed a little after treatment. But if the bleeding doesn't stop, be sure to tell your doctor. |
| Receding gums | If your gums were swollen before treatment, the swelling will go down once the infection is gone. You may be able to see the root of the tooth a little. This is normal. |
| Infections | The doctor prescribes antibiotics to reduce this risk. |
| Teeth grinding | Your teeth may feel a little loose after cleaning. This will go away once your gums have hardened again. |
| Tooth sensitivity | Once tartar and plaque are removed from your teeth, your teeth may become numb to hot and cold. This will go away within a month or two. |
| Gum pain | Your gums may be sore for two to three days after treatment. You can take a general painkiller for that. |
Is this treatment really necessary?
Yes, absolutely. This is the only way to remove tartar and bacteria from under the gums. No matter how well you brush and floss, your toothbrush can never reach the root of your teeth. Maintaining healthy teeth and gums requires both home care and professional cleanings like this.
As an adult, you only have one set of teeth. No one wants to lose them because of severe gum disease. Fortunately, if you develop periodontitis, this Scaling and Root Planing treatment can save your beautiful smile.
Take-Home Message
- Tooth Scaling and Root Planing is a deep cleaning procedure for gum disease (Periodontitis).
- This can prevent tooth loss and improve oral and overall health.
- It is normal to experience tooth numbness or slight pain in the gums after treatment, and this is temporary.
- To prevent this condition from recurring, it is very important to brush your teeth thoroughly and floss daily.
- If your gums are bleeding or swollen, don't ignore the symptoms. Be sure to see your dentist for advice.
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