Scaling and Root Planing
At Smile Center Silicon Valley, our dentist may recommend a deep cleaning if your gums bleed when you brush or floss, you have bad breath, or you notice that your gums look red and swollen. A deep cleaning may also be necessary if our dentist notices deep pockets of tissue around your teeth or if you have a heavy buildup of plaque and tartar on your teeth.
Scaling and planing is a common treatment performed to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth. The dentist or hygienist cleans the pockets that have formed between the gums and the teeth by scraping away any buildup. Next, the root surface of each tooth is smoothed to make it more difficult for bacteria to recolonize it in the future.
It is essential to get regular cleanings because gum disease has been linked to severe health problems such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and more. If gum disease is caught early, scaling and root planing can be a noninvasive way to treat it and prevent further damage to the teeth and gums.
When Is Scaling and Root PlaningRequired?
To Remove Plaque and Tartar
Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth, and if left undisturbed, it can harden into tartar. Tartar buildup contributes to gum disease by harboring bacteria and causing inflammation. Scaling and root planing removes plaque and tartar from the tooth surfaces, including below the gum line, where it's difficult to reach with regular brushing and flossing.
To Reduce Gum Inflammation
Gum disease is caused when the bacteria in plaque and tartar irritate the gum tissues, leading to inflammation. This can cause symptoms such as redness, swelling, tenderness, and bleeding gums. Scaling and root planing is a procedure that helps remove the bacteria and toxins that cause inflammation, allowing the gums to heal and reducing swelling and tenderness.
The Procedure for Scaling and Root Planing
First, our dentist or hygienist will use local anesthesia to numb the treated area and minimize any discomfort you may feel. Then, special tools will remove the plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line. This helps to prevent future buildup and allows our dentist to check for problem areas below the gumline. Finally, the roots of the teeth will be smoothed to allow your gums to better reattach to the teeth after treatment. In most cases, the procedure takes less than an hour to complete.
The treated area may be sensitive or sore for the first few days after treatment. Make sure to brush gently and avoid flossing around the affected area to avoid irritating it further. If bleeding occurs, it is essential not to disturb the area for several hours so that it can heal on its own. Our dentist can advise you about proper care after your appointment.
Scaling and root planing can help prevent tooth loss, improve the mouth's health, and prevent more invasive procedures in the future. Visit Smile Center Silicon Valley at 877 W. FREMONT AVE, SUITE L3, Sunnyvale, CA 94087, or call (408) 245-7500 for the best dental care.