Scaling and root planing are dental care procedures used to mitigate the effects and advance of gum disease. They are typically performed in tandem across one or two appointments and are most easily described as a more involved version of teeth cleaning. The primary advantage is to avoid surgical treatment of periodontitis while helping prevent further damage to teeth and gums. Here’s a closer look at each.

Understanding Root Planing & Scaling

What Is Scaling?

Scaling is a common dental care treatment that involves cleaning below the gum line to remove plaque and tartar buildup. This is beyond the scope of a regular cleaning, which only works on the surface of the teeth, not below the gums.

For this reason, it’s sometimes referred to as a deep clean. Most modern dental practices today use an ultrasonic device instead of manually scraping the teeth. Scaling is typically followed by root planing, sometimes during the same appointment.

What Is Root Planing?

Root planing smooths out the surface of the root, enabling the gum to heal and then reattach to the bottom of the tooth. It is done as part of the deep cleaning process. 

Why Have These Procedures?

Gum disease is caused by plaque, which builds up on the teeth because of the bacteria present in foods and saliva. Good oral hygiene can prevent plaque from destroying tooth enamel and causing inflamed and deteriorating gums.

Gum disease is very common; almost 50% of adult Americans over 30 have some form of chronic gingivitis (mild gum inflammation) or periodontitis (advanced gum disease). Left untreated, gum disease can result in tooth and bone loss and potentially systemic, body-wide infection.

What Is Treatment Like?

Root planing and scaling may be uncomfortable, depending on the state of your gums and general mouth sensitivity. Your dentist can use a local anesthetic to help, although the mouth may be sore and sensitive for a few hours afterward.

Treatment can happen in one or many sessions depending on how much cleaning needs to be done and how many teeth are affected. There will also be a follow-up visit to see how gums are healing and reattaching. If the procedure doesn’t make the gums reattach, other procedures such as surgery may be needed.

For complete dental care services in Cincinnati, OH, choose Lowitz & Meier. These experienced, professional general dentists offer complete family care, from the treatment of gum disease to restorative and cosmetic procedures. They offer oral surgery as well. They emphasize the safety and comfort of their patients, and their caring and friendly team helps every patient feel good about their dental care. Call (513) 521-8900 to make an appointment or visit them online to see a full range of services.