Scaling & Root Planing
Silverdale, WA
Scaling & Root Planing provided by Dr. Kasey Gillespie, DDS
in Silverdale, WA at Life Long Dental
 While brushing and flossing can help keep your teeth clean, some food particles might remain stuck on the tooth surface or become lodged beneath the gum line and roots. Over time, this will turn into plaque and eventually transform into tartar. Unremoved plaque and tartar can cause all sorts of dental issues. They can trigger tooth decay or increase the risk of gum disease.
However, removing plaque and tartar with regular brushing can be a challenge. Here is where the importance of scaling and root planing comes into play. These deep-cleaning treatments scrape hardened tartar, keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Visit us for professional scaling and root planing in Silverdale, WA.
What Is Scaling & Root Planing?
Scaling and root planing are dental deep cleaning procedures that remove plaque and hardened tartar deposits from the tooth surface and beneath the gum line and roots. While dental scaling removes tartar from the tooth surface, root planing focuses on cleaning the roots under the gum line. These procedures go beyond regular brushing and flossing, as they deal with plaque and tartar trapped in the hard-to-reach areas of your mouth.
Scaling and root planing are common treatments for people with periodontitis (advanced gum disease). Our dentist may also recommend scaling to patients before they undergo various dental restorations.
Importance of Scaling & Root Planing
Your teeth require professional dental cleaning at least once every six months. However, regular teeth cleaning focuses on the crowns. Scaling and root planing are deep cleaning procedures that extend beyond the visible areas. These treatments help prevent periodontitis by removing accumulated tartar deposits from the roots and under the gum line. They also stop the progression of receding gums, ensuring your teeth and subgingival tissue remain intact. Root planing reattaches loose teeth to the gums. Most importantly, these deep-cleaning procedures are essential for optimum oral health.
Benefits of Scaling & Root Planing
Scaling and root planing have numerous benefits. First, they are non-surgical treatments, making them a safe option for preventing and treating periodontitis. They remove accumulated hardened tartar from areas that regular brushing cannot access, ensuring proper oral hygiene. They also reduce the likelihood of tooth decay and jawbone deterioration by removing disease-causing bacteria from your mouth.
Aside from eradicating plaque and tartar, scaling and root planing restore your stunning smile, enhancing your facial appearance and boosting your confidence. Scaling and root planing does not require any downtime. In most cases, it only requires one dental appointment. Patients can undergo these procedures within a few hours and return to their regular schedules without issues.
The Scaling & Root Planing Procedure
Scaling and root planing are two different procedures. Dental scaling removes tartar deposits from the tooth surface. During scaling, our dentist will use an ultrasonic scaler to remove tartar from the tooth surface above and beneath the gum line. The vibrating ultrasonic scaler releases powerful jets of water that rinse away accumulated dental calculus from the gum pockets. The last step in scaling involves using a manual curette to scrape away the remaining tartar deposits.
Root planing is a more intricate procedure. It focuses on cleaning the roots below the gum line. Depending on the severity of your condition, our dentist may administer local anesthesia to numb the area and make you comfortable. We may also inject antibiotics to prevent possible infection.
During root planing, we will use an explorer tool to locate tartar deposits beneath the gum tissue. Next, we gently push the gum to expose the root and flush out trapped dental calculus with an ultrasonic scaler. The final step entails smoothening the root with a curette, allowing it to reattach to the gum.
Who Needs Scaling & Root Planing?
Scaling and root planing are ideal for anyone with signs of periodontitis. Patients with large amounts of tartar should consider professional deep cleaning to remove dental calculus. You may be a good candidate for scaling and root planing if you have inflamed or bleeding gums. It is also ideal for anyone with discolored gums, deep gum pockets, or sensitive teeth. These dental procedures can also help combat halitosis.
What to Expect During Scaling & Root Planing
The primary objective of scaling and root planing is to restore and maintain your oral health. It removes stubborn stains and sticky plaque from your teeth and gums. Expected outcomes after scaling and root planing are clean teeth and a dazzling smile. You will also notice decreased gum pockets, less bleeding, and reduced inflammation. As the gums heal, the surrounding teeth will reattach more firmly.
Common FAQs about Scaling & Root Planing
Patients facing scaling and root planing may have questions when they visit our dental office. Here are some of the most common questions we receive:
Is scaling & root planing painful?
Scaling and root planing are painless dental procedures. However, we may administer local anesthesia to numb the area and make you comfortable during treatment. Some people might temporarily have slight discomfort or tender gums after treatment.
How long does the procedure take?
The treatment duration depends on the severity of your unique oral condition. Typically, scaling and root planing take one or two hours. However, some patients might require multiple visits, with one-half of the mouth cleaned during each appointment.
Are there any side effects after scaling & root planing?
Scaling and root planing have minimal side effects. Common side effects include temporary swelling, gum tenderness, and tooth sensitivity. These symptoms usually subside within a few hours or days as the gums begin to heal.
How often should scaling & root planing be done?
You should schedule scaling and root planing every six months to ensure optimum oral health. However, patients with advanced periodontitis may need to visit our dental office every three months for professional scaling and root planing.
Why Choose Life Long Dental for Scaling & Root Planing?
At Life Long Dental, we prioritize your oral health. We can help you reverse the effects of periodontitis through our professional scaling and root planing services. Do not let gum disease compromise your smile and oral health. Call us at to book an appointment for professional scaling and root planing in Silverdale, WA. |
