Everything You Need to Know About Dental Scaling and Root Planing

Protecting your oral health is not only essential for maintaining healthy gums and teeth but also keeping your body healthy. That is why it is recommended to visit your dentist every six months. When you visit your dentist in Barrie, Ontario, they may recommend getting your teeth scaled. Although tooth scaling sounds ominous, it is a common procedure performed along with root planing to avoid chronic gum disease.

So, what is scaling and root planing?

A deep teeth cleaning is referred to as dental scaling and root planing. The accumulation of plaque and bacteria below the gum line is normal, even if you brush and floss your teeth regularly. And the plaque build-up causes the tissue around the tooth to separate from tooth enamel, causing gum pockets. If it is left untreated, it has the capability to penetrate deep into the gum line, leading to tooth loss. Hence, plaque must be removed with the assistance of a professional dentist in Barrie, Ontario.

The scaling and root planing procedure involves scraping the root surface of the tooth below the gum line with the help of the scaler. In this procedure, your dental hygienist goes below the gum line to remove tartar, plaque, and other substances stuck onto the tooth surfaces. Once the plaque is removed completely, a root planing device is used to smoothen the root surface. It helps gums reattach to the base of the teeth so that food and other bacteria don’t trap below the gum line.

Who needs scaling and root planing?

Your dentist will suggest you to opt for teeth scaling and root planing if they find the following signs:

• Bad breath

• Plaque build-up around the teeth

• Bleeding gums

• Inflamed, red, or tender gums

• Shifting permanent teeth

• A change in your bite

What can you expect after scaling and root planing?

After the teeth scaling and root planing, your mouth needs some time to heal. So, you may experience some less pleasant side effects, including:

Discomfort: You may experience a slight ache or throbbing after this treatment that may last for a few hours to a few days. If you experience anything other than mild discomfort after 48 hours, immediately schedule your dental appointment with the best dental clinic in Barrie.

Tooth Sensitivity: Your teeth may usually be sensitive to temperature changes or sweets following the treatment. Usually, this sensitivity can be experienced for the first two to three days post-treatment. Your dentist may recommend you to use fluoride-based mouthwash to relieve sensitivity and discomfort.

Bleeding: You may also notice some bleeding a few times you brush your teeth. However, it is normal and tends to decrease over time.

Gum appearance: You may also notice some alterations in the shape of gum tissue around the teeth. It usually occurs due to swelling in the tissue after treatment. In addition, the gum tissue may become more pink. Both these signs show that the gum tissues are responding well to the treatment. So, you need not worry about gum appearance.

The Bottom Line

Although scaling and root planing can help improve gum health and stop the worsening of periodontal disease, remember that it is an ongoing condition. If you want to prevent it from recurring, you must follow good oral care practices and schedule your dental visit regularly.

In addition, remember that scaling and root planing may require 2-3 dental visits. While any dentist can do this procedure, it is recommended to choose the best dentist in Barrie, Ontario, who has enough experience and qualification in handling such types of dental cases. Don’t forget to ask the steps you have to follow after a scaling and root planing procedure.

All the Best!