If you’re in the early stages of gum disease, your dentist will likely recommend a deep cleaning procedure known as scaling and root planing. Designed to remove plaque from below the gumline, the procedure also resurfaces the root of your tooth so your gums can reattach properly, preventing further damage to your teeth. Because this is more intense than a typical cleaning, some patients are apprehensive about the procedure. However, by knowing what to expect, you can calm any dental anxiety. Here’s what you need to know. 

What You Should Know About Scaling & Root Planing

When do I need scaling and root planing?

Your dentist will recommend a deep cleaning when you have signs of gum disease, including red, swollen, or bleeding gums, bad breath, tartar buildup, and deep pockets between your teeth and gums. Typically, your gums attach to the tooth somewhere between 1 and 3 millimeters below the gum line. When you have gum disease, these pockets get deeper, allowing more plaque to build up. Pockets deeper than 4 mm generally necessitate a deeper cleaning. 

What happens during the procedure? 

During scaling and root planing, the dentist uses special tools (either a scaler and curette or ultrasonic wand) to scrape plaque from the surface of the teeth in these pockets. Once the tooth surface is clean, the dentist uses the same process to clean further down, smoothing out the roots of your teeth so the gums can reattach. 

Does this procedure hurt?

Deep cleaning your teeth this way can cause discomfort, so many dentists complete the procedure over several visits. They may also apply a local anesthetic to numb the pain. Afterward, you’ll have some soreness and swelling in your gums while they heal and will likely have increased sensitivity. Gently brushing and flossing with a toothpaste designed for sensitivity will help prevent infection and pain. 

Will the procedure cure my gum disease?

This procedure is often one of the first treatments dentists recommend for gum disease that has progressed beyond gingivitis, and it can be effective at closing the pockets and halting any further damage. After the deep cleaning is complete, you’ll have a follow-up where the depth of the pockets will be checked to determine whether your mouth is healing properly. If the pockets have become deeper, then more aggressive treatment will be necessary. Otherwise, proper dental care and regular checkups and cleanings should prevent further problems.

Whether you need a basic cleaning and exam or more advanced treatment, turn to Gladstein Dental Center in New Britain, CT. For nearly 30 years, dentist Eric Gladstein, DMD, MAGD, and his team have served Hartford County, offering both general and cosmetic dentistry procedures. You can count on them to provide exceptional dental care in a comfortable and relaxed environment. For an appointment, call (860) 223-1162. Visit their website to learn more about the practice.