Daily brushing and flossing are foundational for oral hygiene; however, there’s more to it than just brushing and flossing. With an at-home oral hygiene regimen, gum disease may develop and worsen without any signs. Procedures like scaling and root planing make deep cleaning easier. These treatments are essential for gum disease management and for the prevention of tooth loss.
If you notice symptoms of gum bleeding, malodor, and receding gums, you may need more than a dental prophylaxis. We offer advanced periodontal therapy within gum disease treatment in Chandler, including customized deep cleaning treatments for your case. Continue reading to learn the indications for scaling and root planing and how these treatments are essential in the long-term maintenance of your oral structures.
What Is Scaling And Root Planing?
The deep cleaning “scaling and root planing” is more commonly known as “Deep cleansing”. It is a more advanced dental procedure to correct gum disease. Unlike routine cleaning, which is confined to the surface of the teeth, deep cleaning, also known as scaling, cleaning, exceeds gum margins and deals with the entrenched plaque and tartar buildup in areas of the mouth that are not accessible through regular brushing.
Scaling is the process of removing plaque and calculus (tartar) buildup from the surfaces of teeth and from under the gums. In turn, the process of planing the roots of the teeth, or root planing, smooths the surfaces of the teeth roots to allow better access for the gums to reattach, as well as help prevent further plaque buildup. Inflammation and recovery from gum disease is enhanced while its progression is arrested as a result of change and healing from these therapies.
Who Needs A Deep Cleaning?
Not all patients require a deep cleaning, but for patients with early to moderate gum disease, this is often the most effective first approach.
Scaling and root planing is often recommended when these symptoms are present:
- Gums that are red, inflamed, and/or bleeding
- Persistent halitosis (bad breath) as well as a bad taste
- Recession of gums or an elongated appearance of teeth
- Deep pockets formed between gums and teeth
- Teeth are loose or are shifting in position
If these symptoms are apparent, it is very important to get examined immediately so that the potential for ignoring these signs does not turn into more severe problems like losing teeth or other health complications.
At Novelly Family Dentistry & Orthodontics, we are prepared to evaluate patients for the need of deep cleaning. As an emergency dentist in Chandler, we also provide immediate, specialized, and thorough attention to urgent matters like gum disease.
Advantages of Scaling and Root Planing
Patients suffering from periodontal disease can enjoy certain benefits from scaling and root planing:
- Lowers Inflammation: In deep cleaning, both bacteria and debris responsible for swelling and infection of the gums are removed.
- Helps Prevent Tooth Loss: It stops disease from advancing, which safeguards the teeth’s supporting structures.
- Encourages Reattachment of the Gums: Smoothing the root surfaces makes it easier for the gums to reattach to the teeth.
- Facilitates Good Oral Hygiene: It makes it easier to maintain oral hygiene from the patient’s end, as the gums are healthier, and the mouth is cleaner.
- Lessens Inflammation: Treating gum disease reduces inflammation, which is linked to heart disease, diabetes, and other systemic conditions.
FAQs About Scaling and Root Planing
- Is scaling and root planing painful?
Most patients report only mild discomfort during or after the procedure. At Novelly Family Dentistry, we use local anesthesia to numb the treated area, ensuring your comfort throughout. Some tenderness or sensitivity afterward is normal and temporary. - How long does the procedure take?
The length of the treatment depends on the severity of your condition. Deep cleaning is often completed over two visits, each targeting one side of the mouth. Each session may last 45 minutes to an hour. - What is recovery like?
Recovery is generally quick. You may experience minor soreness or sensitivity for a few days. Our team will provide aftercare instructions, including recommendations for gentle oral hygiene and avoiding certain foods until your gums heal. - How often do I need scaling and root planing?
For most patients, scaling and root planing is a one-time procedure followed by regular periodontal maintenance cleanings every 3–4 months. This helps prevent the return of gum disease and keeps your mouth healthy. - Does insurance cover it?
Many dental insurance plans cover deep cleaning when diagnosed as medically necessary. Our staff can help you verify your benefits and explore affordable payment options.
Never Overlook the Red Flags
Gum disease is often asymptomatic in the initial stages, but the consequences can be quite profound if ignored. Fortunately, the deep cleaning process of scaling and root planing can help restore your gums and prevent any lasting damage. Our caring team is always ready to help, whether you are symptomatic or it has simply been a while since your last dental visit. With us, Novelly Family Dentistry & Orthodontics, you can always be at ease.
As a practitioner of Chandler’s best practices of treating gum disease and providing emergency dental services in Chandler, we are always responsive to your needs and are deeply committed to assisting you while keeping in mind your dental requirements and the lifestyle you lead.
Book your deep cleaning consultation today
Wanting to take charge of your gum health? Waiting to scale and plan your gums till the latest symptoms appear is not ideal. Call Novelly Family Dentistry & Orthodontics today to set an evaluation visit and find out more about scaling and root planing. With the right dental care and a compassionate, patient-centered method, we will help you restore a not just a healthy, but a radiant smile that you will be delighted to show off, one deep clean at a time.