While a standard teeth cleaning can remove plaque and tartar for most people, those who have gum disease need a little extra attention. If you’re exhibiting any symptoms of gingivitis or periodontitis, your dentist may recommend teeth scaling and root planing. Also called deep cleaning, this noninvasive procedure can actually stop gum disease in its tracks. Here’s what you should know about the procedure. 

What to Expect During Scaling & Root Planing 

Although scaling and root planing is a nonsurgical procedure, a local anesthetic may be necessary to prevent any discomfort. After your gums are sufficiently numb, the dental hygienist will begin. The primary purpose of this deep cleaning is to remove plaque and tartar that has calcified under and around the gums, thereby causing irritation and inflammation.

Using special tools, your provider will scrape away any plaque that’s accumulated on the teeth. This is known as scaling, and you’re probably already familiar with the process because hygienists perform some version of it at every cleaning. After irrigating and sterilizing any loose pockets in the gums comes root planing, which consists of smoothing out the roots using a small dental device. By providing a smooth surface, the gums can reattach to the teeth’s roots. This will essentially reverse mild gum recession and prevent plaque and tartar from accumulating under the gumline in the future. 

How to Maintain Your Smile After the Procedure

Once you’re done with the scaling and root planing process—depending on the circumstances, it may require several dentist appointments—it’s important to maintain your oral health. This will reduce the chances of needing another deep cleaning in the future. 

The best way to protect your teeth, tongue, and gums is by following your dentist’s guidelines. For example, he or she may want to see you every two to four months for the first year after the procedure for followup cleanings and exams. It’s also important to brush at least twice a day and floss daily. Make sure to use a toothpaste that contains fluoride, and replace your brush when the bristles are visibly worn down.

From X-rays and teeth whitening to scaling and root planing, S. Jill Spurlin, D.M.D. offers her patients complete dental health. Practicing out of Enterprise, AL, this friendly dentist has more than 26 years of experience providing comprehensive oral health care. Specializing in family dentistry, she and her team are proud to perform a broad range of procedures at their state-of-the-art facility. To make a dentist appointment for you or a member of your household, call (334) 475-2624 or reach out on her website.