General dentists can perform both the scaling and root planing parts of the procedure. Some dentists may recommend their patients see a periodontist if their teeth are in need of more work. If your dentist recommends a periodontist, it is worthwhile to ask why.
Who performs tooth scaling and root planing? Dentists and periodontists (gum disease specialists) offer these gum disease treatments. The procedure is usually done by a dental hygienist.
You may start by seeing your general dentist. Depending on how severe your periodontitis is, your dentist may refer you to a specialist in the treatment of periodontal disease called a periodontist. Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment.
In some cases, a dentist will recommend scaling. It is a nonsurgical procedure but it does more than just standard cleaning since it cleans the areas of a tooth that are below the gum line, not just above it. What are the types of scaling? Dentists may use a couple of different types of instruments for scaling.
It is indicated for patients who have swollen, inflamed gingiva, generalized suprabony pockets, and moderate to severe bleeding on probing.
General dentists can perform both the scaling and root planing parts of the procedure. Some dentists may recommend their patients see a periodontist if their teeth are in need of more work. If your dentist recommends a periodontist, it is worthwhile to ask why.
Deep scaling is only done when gum disease is present. Typically in the early stages of gum disease, damage can be reversed with a professional deep cleaning. The goal of deep scaling and root planning is to treat periodontitis, or gum disease, causing the disease to go into remission.
Most dentists recommend scaling and root planing if the pocket exceeds five millimeters in depth. Some patients may experience redness and swelling on the gums during the early stages of gingivitis. Despite not being as severe as an abscess, it still signifies bacterial invasion and irritates the gum tissue.
Scaling and root planing are usually recommended when gum disease is present, and they can prevent the more damaging effects to the gums and teeth, such as loosened teeth and eventually tooth loss. They can also halt a mild case of gum disease from turning into periodontal disease.
After scaling and root planing is completed, you may experience slight discomfort around the teeth for several days and increased sensitivity to hot and cold (and sometimes sweets) for up to four to six weeks duration. This is a normal course of healing.
Thankfully, it is never too late to get treatment for gum disease. Your specialized hygienic can complete a full diagnosis to help you determine what stage your gum disease has advanced to. Several treatment solutions may be offered depending on the severity of your condition.
Periodontitis (per-e-o-don-TIE-tis), also called gum disease, is a serious gum infection that damages the soft tissue around teeth. Without treatment, periodontitis can destroy the bone that supports your teeth. This can cause teeth to loosen or lead to tooth loss. Periodontitis is common but can usually be prevented.
If left untreated for too long, periodontal disease will result in tooth loss. Maintaining dental health makes it easier to ward off other conditions like diabetes and heart disease.
The Bottom Line on Pain and Discomfort
This procedure is not considered painless. However, it is not particularly painful. It can be uncomfortable and cause sensitivity and tenderness to the gums. This is an expected result from having the scaling and planing procedure.
Scaling and root planing generally happen in two appointments. The dentist will clean one half of the mouth in the first appointment and the other half in the second. Depending on the amount of plaque that needs to be removed, an appointment can take up to several hours.
Scaling is the process of removing dental tartar from the surfaces of the teeth. Root planing is the process of smoothing the root surfaces and removing any infected tooth structure. If you have gum disease, the gum pockets around the teeth will have deepened, thus allowing tartar deposits to form under the gum line.
There is risk of infection with scaling and root planing because of the bacteria that is cleaned out during the procedure. With a deep cleaning treatment, sometimes bacteria can be released into the bloodstream during the process. Scaling and root planing may cause some discomfort.
Most periodontists recommend scaling and root planing twice a year or more, depending on the severity of your gum disease.
Your dentist may prescribe a mouth rinse or antibiotics to prevent infection and help you heal. Scaling and root planing typically leave gums painful for a few days and the teeth sensitive for up to a week. Your gums may bleed and feel swollen or tender right after the treatment.
The disadvantages of deep cleaning teeth include nerve damage and potential infections if you have a compromised immune system. The cleaning might cause pain, and sensitivity in the treatment doesn't guarantee reattachment of your gums to the teeth. The cleaning might even cause further gum recession.
Follow-up patients who have received active periodontal therapy are appropriately reported using the periodontal maintenance code.” The actual ADA code book reads, periodontal maintenance will be completed following active periodontal therapy “for the life of the dentition.” It is safe to assume once a periodontal ...
The length of a scaling & root planing procedure can vary depending on the extent of the gum disease and the number of teeth involved. Generally, it can take one to two hours to complete, and multiple appointments may be necessary.
Can the dentist refuse to clean your teeth? Yes, perhaps when they are trying to protect your health. If you notice blood while brushing, if your teeth appear bigger than normal, if you are experiencing persistent bad breath, if you are gums are irritated and swollen, these are all signs of gum disease.
It depends on how severe the receding gums are, as if they are only minimally receded, then the gums will reattach themselves to the teeth. While any gum loss experienced due to gum disease will not grow back, the majority of patients can expect their gums to reattach after undergoing a deep cleaning.
You can have deep cleanings whenever it feels necessary. Still, make sure you have at least two dental cleanings per year. Deep cleanings are for patients with oral issues like gum disease and tooth decay every three months.