All You Need to Know About Dental Planing and Scaling

24 July 2024by CISEO0

All you need to know about dental planing and scaling

Are you curious about dental scaling and root planing? You’re in the right place. Keeping your teeth and gums healthy is very important, and sometimes a bit of extra care is needed. Let’s explore what dental scaling and root planing are all about, why they’re important, and how they can benefit you.

dental scaling

What exactly are dental scaling and root planing?

Dental scaling and root planing, often called deep cleaning, is a procedure that removes plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) from your teeth, both above and below the gumline. Unlike regular cleaning that focuses on the visible parts of your teeth, these procedures target the harder-to-reach areas prone to plaque buildup.

What happens during dental scaling?

During dental scaling, the dentist or hygienist removes all the plaque and tartar (that’s the hardened plaque) from the surface of your teeth. We use special tools to get rid of these buildups both above and below your gumline. This can be done with manual tools or ultrasonic devices that vibrate to break down the tartar.

What is root planing?

Root planing smooths out the roots of the teeth after scaling. This step helps remove bacteria and provides a clean surface for the gums to reattach to the teeth. It is especially beneficial for patients with gum disease, as it helps prevent further progression by eliminating the pockets where bacteria thrive.

Are dental scaling and root planing really necessary?

These procedures have multiple benefits:

  • preventing gum disease
  • keeping your mouth healthy
  • maintaining overall health

Preventing gum disease – One of the biggest reasons for getting dental scaling and root planing is to prevent and treat gum disease. Plaque and tartar can cause your gums to become inflamed and bleed – this is called gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease. If left untreated, it can turn into periodontitis, a more serious condition that can lead to tooth loss.

Keeping your mouth healthy – Regular scaling and planing help keep your teeth and gums healthy by getting rid of harmful bacteria. This not only prevents gum disease but also helps reduce the risk of cavities and bad breath​.

Maintaining overall health – Did you know that your oral health is connected to your overall health? Poor oral hygiene has been linked to conditions like heart disease and diabetes. By keeping your mouth clean and healthy, you’re also looking after your overall well-being.

How often should teeth scaling and root planing be done?

The frequency of dental scaling and root planing depends on your specific oral health needs. For most people, a deep cleaning every 6 months to a year is sufficient. However, if you have a history of gum disease or other oral health issues, your dentist might recommend more frequent treatments. Regular dental check-ups will help determine the best schedule for your deep cleanings​.

What to expect during the procedure

Initial examination – Before the procedure, we will thoroughly examine your mouth, including taking X-rays if necessary, to assess the extent of plaque and tartar buildup and check for signs of gum disease. This helps in creating a tailored treatment plan for you​.

The procedure – Dental scaling and root planing usually occur over one or two visits, depending on how severe your condition is. During the procedure, local anaesthesia might be used to ensure your comfort. We will first perform scaling and then root planing. Each session may last between one to two hours, focusing on different sections of your mouth​.

After the procedure – After scaling and root planing, you might experience some sensitivity and discomfort. This is normal and should subside in a few days. We will give you specific instructions on how to care for your teeth and gums, including using mouth rinses and maintaining good oral hygiene at home. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoiding certain foods can help ease discomfort and promote healing

What are the benefits of dental scaling and root planing?

Getting rid of bacteria – deep cleaning helps remove bacteria, plaque, and tartar that regular brushing and flossing might miss. This significantly improves your oral hygiene and reduces the risk of cavities and gum disease​.

Brighter smile – by removing tartar and stains, dental scaling can improve the appearance of your smile. Clean, tartar-free teeth are less likely to develop stains and discolouration.

Fresher breath – bad breath is often caused by bacteria in the mouth. By thoroughly cleaning your teeth and gums, scaling and root planing can help eliminate the sources of bad breath, leaving your mouth feeling fresher​

Preventing tooth loss – by treating and preventing gum disease, dental scaling and root planing help maintain the integrity of your teeth and gums. This reduces the risk of tooth loss and helps preserve your natural teeth for longer​.

Cost-effective – investing in preventive dental care like scaling and root planing can save you money in the long run. By preventing severe gum disease and tooth decay, you can avoid more extensive and costly treatments in the future.

Conclusion

Dental scaling and root planing are vital procedures for maintaining optimal oral health. These treatments help prevent gum disease, reduce plaque and tartar buildup, and contribute to your overall well-being. By understanding what to expect during the procedure and following your dentist’s post-treatment care instructions, you can ensure the best outcomes for your dental health.

Remember, if you have any concerns or are experiencing symptoms of gum disease, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with us, here at Avenue Dental Practice. We can assess your condition and determine whether dental scaling and root planing are right for you.

FAQs

Can teeth fall out during scaling?

No, teeth should not fall out during scaling. Dental scaling is a procedure designed to remove plaque and tartar buildup, not to affect the stability of your teeth. However, if your teeth are already severely compromised due to advanced gum disease, they may be loose, and this might become more noticeable after the cleaning. It’s important to follow up with your dentist if you have any concerns.

Do teeth grow back after scaling?

Teeth do not grow back after scaling. The procedure cleans your teeth and gums but does not regenerate lost tooth structure. If you have gum recession or bone loss, these conditions need to be managed separately, often with specialised periodontal treatments.

Are teeth whiter after scaling?

Teeth can appear whiter after scaling because the removal of plaque and tartar can eliminate surface stains. However, scaling is not a whitening treatment, and for more significant whitening, you might need a professional whitening procedure.

What should you not do after scaling?

After scaling, avoid eating hard or sticky foods, refrain from smoking, and be gentle when brushing and flossing. Follow any specific instructions from your dentist, which may include using an antimicrobial mouthwash and avoiding very hot or cold foods for a short period.

Why are my teeth so loose after a deep cleaning?

Teeth might feel loose after deep cleaning if there was significant tartar buildup that was removed, which had been holding the teeth in place. This sensation is usually temporary as the gums heal and reattach to the teeth. If the looseness persists, it’s essential to follow up with your dentist.

CISEO

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About
Avenue
Avenue Dental provides state-of-the-art dental treatments to clients in Leamington Spa, Warwick, and Kenilworth.
Our locations
Opening Hours
Mon: 8:30am - 5:30pm
Tue: 8:30am - 5:30pm
Wed: 8:30am - 8pm
Thu: : 8:30am - 5:30pm
Fri: 8:30am - 4:30pm
Sat: Appointment Only
Sun: Closed
Get in touch
Follow us
Care Quality Commission - CQC Regulated 2023
About
Avenue
Avenue Dental provides state-of-the-art dental treatments to clients in Leamington Spa, Warwick, and Kenilworth.
Our locations
Opening Hours
Mon: 8:30am - 5:30pm
Tue: 8:30am - 5:30pm
Wed: 8:30am - 8pm
Thu: : 8:30am - 5:30pm
Fri: 8:30am - 4:30pm
Sat: Appointment Only
Sun: Closed
Get in touch
Follow Us
Care Quality Commission - CQC Regulated 2023

Copyright All Rights Reserved © 2022 – Avenue Dental Practice

Copyright All Rights Reserved © 2022 – Avenue Dental Practice