Scaling and root planing treatments are used to remove plaque and calculus from the surfaces of teeth. One of the most important aspects of scaling and root planning is determining what type of treatment will suit each patient best. Dentists usually recommend scaling if there is little gum disease present. But if there is severe dental disease, root planning will be more effective in cleaning any infected areas.
Scaling is a deep cleaning done to remove tartar, calculus, or other hardened dental deposits from the surfaces of teeth with a tool called a dental scaler.
Root planing is the process of using dental instruments to loosen deposits on teeth at their base.
What is Scaling and Root Planing?
Scaling is usually performed by a dental hygienist while root planning is usually done by a dentist or periodontist. Scaling involves cleaning out anything stuck on the teeth with special tools called scalers. Root planing is the process of using an endoscope to smooth the surfaces of the teeth at their base. Scaling and root planning not only helps keep your teeth clean but also reduces plaque, gum disease, cavities, bad breath, tooth sensitivity, and other issues.
How is Scaling and Root Planing Done?
The scaling and root planning in Bradford, ON procedure, is usually done in one or two appointments.
The dentist will measure the depth of the pockets around your gums to see how severe your gum disease is. If you have tartar and plaque built up on your teeth, the dental hygienist may also use a drill to remove it.
In the second appointment, the dental hygienist will again clean your teeth, but this time they will also use a root planer to smooth out the roots of your teeth. This will help reduce plaque and tartar build-up in the future. Scaling and root planing are usually used to treat gum disease or pocket formation around the gums. Your dental hygienist will use this procedure to reshape your teeth and reduce pockets between them and the gums so that you can have a healthier mouth.
What Are the Benefits of Scaling and Root Planing?
There are many benefits to scaling and root planning. Scaling removes plaque and tartar from your teeth, while root planing smooths the surface of your roots to help make it harder for plaque to accumulate. This can help improve your oral health by reducing your risk of gum disease and tooth decay.
Additionally, scaling and root planning can help improve your breath by preventing the accumulation of bacteria that causes bad odors.
Scaling and root planing can also be used to repair small cavities. Finally, scaling and root planing can help whiten your teeth by removing stubborn stains on your enamel. Scaling and root planning are usually performed by a dentist or dental hygienist as part of periodontal treatment.
Scaling and root planing can also be combined with:
- Flap surgery: A flap surgery, also known as a gingivectomy, involves cutting away parts of the gums to expose the roots of your teeth. This surgery can be used to treat periodontitis, a gum disease that causes inflammation and damage to the tissues that support your teeth.
- Bone grafting: A bone graft is a surgical procedure that replaces missing bone in your jaw with donor bone or artificial materials. This surgery can be used to repair damage caused by periodontitis.
What are the Risks of Scaling and Root Planning?
Scaling and root planning are generally safe procedures. However, there is a risk of infection, bleeding, and damage to the teeth or gums. You should discuss the risks and benefits of this procedure with your dentist in Bradford, Ontario before you decide whether or not to have it done.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should not have these procedures. Scaling and root planning may also not be appropriate for patients with heart conditions, uncontrolled high blood pressure, diabetes, or poor circulation.
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