What is Scale and Root Planing?

One of the highlights of having your teeth examined every six months is the hygienist or dentist professionally cleaning all of your teeth. This process removes damaging plaque that is always present in each our mouths. The scaling and root planning quite simply takes this procedure further down the tooth, below the gumline. We’ll take a quick look at what plaque is, the procedure of scaling and root planning, the gum disease that the process is combating and the final benefits of having the procedure.

What is Plaque?

Our mouths are as unique to each of us as our fingerprints, but we all share one common bond. We each have millions of bacteria in our mouths. At some point, if you do not keep this quantity in check, the bacteria will begin to adhere to the teeth forming a sticky substance called plaque. The plaque develops damaging acids that will immediately attack the enamel of the tooth resulting in cavities. This is why it is so important for you to brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time. You are doing your part to combat the onset of plaque.

The Scale and Root Planing Procedure

The dentist or hygienist uses a handheld dental tool called a scaler to scape the plaque from the surface of the tooth. Some offices may prefer to use an ultrasonic device to achieve the same result. Even if you do indeed brush well there are always areas that are neglected, and the process will remove the damaging plaque from these surfaces.

If you are negligent on proper oral hygiene the plaque will not only develop on the surface of the teeth but over time will work its way down the tooth and go below the surface of the soft tissue. Now the process follows the plaque. The gums may need to be numbed with a local anesthetic as the scaling goes below the surface. No part of the tooth is safe from plaque buildup. The process may need to go all the way down the root to make the surface of the tooth smooth once again.

What is Gum Disease?

Gum disease is the result of the bacteria in the plaque coming in contact with the soft tissue, immediately resulting in an infection. Called periodontal disease recent studies claim that as many as 47% of American adults have some form of gum disease. Which is why scaling and root planning becomes so important.

The Benefits of Having Scale and Root Planing

Once you have completed the scale and root planning procedure you will initially experience discomfort and soreness with your gums. An over the counter pain medication will address this discomfort. You will then see an immediate result of the process as the swelling in your gums subside and even the color returns to a nice normal pink. The pockets that sag around the teeth will close up as well. Having gone through the procedure you will want to move forward with solid oral hygiene habits at home so as to not have to endure the procedure again. You control that destiny.

More on Scale & Root Planing : Deep Teeth Cleaning Risks