The objective of scaling and root planing is to physically remove etiologic agents that cause inflammation of the gingiva and bone. Common etiologic agents removed by this conventional gum therapy include dental tartar and plaque. Doctors Network has simplified the process of finding a periodontist near you that takes your insurance.
These periodontal procedures which thoroughly cleanse the gum pockets, work miraculously for patients experiencing mild gum inflammation and/or moderate to severe periodontitis.
Reasons for needing scaling and root planingDeep cleaning can be used both as a preventative procedure as well as a stand-alone treatment. These procedures are performed as prevention for a periodontitis sufferer.
These are some reasons why deep cleanings may be helpful:
- Aesthetic effects
Scaling and root planing helps remove plaque and calculus from tooth roots and under the gumline. Additionally, if yellow or brown stains are present on the teeth, they will be cleaned when getting the scaling and root planing procedure. - Tooth protection
When gingival pockets are deeper than 3mm, there is a greater risk of periodontitis. As gingival pockets deepen, they house more colonies of dangerous bacteria. Sooner or later, a chronic inflammatory response by the body begins to damage gingival and bone tissue which could lead to tooth loss. Periodontitis is the main etiology of tooth loss in the developed world. - Disease prevention
The anaerobic bacteria that cause periodontitis can travel via the bloodstream to other organs of the body. Research shows that heart disease and infections have been linked to oral bacteria. Deep cleaning removes these bacteria and stops gum disease, thus preventing the infectious bacteria from infecting other organs of the body. - Better breath
One of the most detectable symptoms of periodontitis is halitosis. Bacteria and food particles can cause a bad odor in the mouth which is alleviated with treatments such as scaling and root planing.
To find out what to do about plaque and tartar, visit Doctors Network.
Depending on the current condition of the gums, the amount of calculus present, the depth of the pockets, and the degree of the periodontitis, local anesthesia may be administered.
ScalingThis procedure is performed with special dental instruments and may include an ultrasonic cleaning tool. The scaling instrument removes calculus and plaque from the enamel surfaces and root surfaces. Most of the time, the scaling tool includes irrigation of the gum tissue that can also be used to administer an antimicrobial agent below the gums that can help reduce the density of oral bacteria.
Root PlaningThis part of the procedure is a specific treatment to remove the root cementum and dentin that is infected with harmful microorganisms, calculus, and toxins. The root surface of the tooth is mechanically smoothed in order to promote periodontal healing. Having smooth root surfaces prevents bacteria from easily colonizing in the future.
Following these deep cleaning procedures, the periodontal pockets may be treated with antimicrobial agents. This will reduce inflammation and help the gums to heal quickly.
On the next visit, the Brooklyn dentist or hygienist will carefully examine the gingival tissues again to see how well they have healed. If the gingival pockets still measure more than 3mm in depth, more aggressive treatments may be recommended.
If you have any concerns or questions about deep cleaning in Crown Heights, Brooklyn Heights, Fort Greene, Park Slope, Clinton Hill, or any other parts of Brooklyn, please ask Dr. Pooria Shahin DDS, your dentist at 1st Impression Dental.
