THE CARE BEHIND A HEALTHY SMILE
Scaling And Root Planing
- Richard Kozikowski
5.0
ROOT SCALING AND PLANING IN MELISSA, TX
If you have been diagnosed with gum disease, the first course of action is to undergo root scaling and planing. During this procedure, your Melissa, TX periodontist will use an ultrasonic scaling device that eliminates bacteria through the use of vibrations. The scaling device helps remove tartar, plaque, and biofilm from the surface of the tooth and near the gumline. After scaling, your periodontist will perform a root planing, which involves smoothing out rough areas near the tooth’s root surface, helping to prevent future plaque buildup.
WHAT DO THE PROCEDURES ENTAIL?
- Scaling: When scaling is performed, calculus and plaque that attaches to the tooth surfaces is removed. The process especially targets the area below the gum line, along the root. Scaling is performed with a special dental tool called an ultrasonic scaling tool. The scaling tool usually includes an irrigation process.
- Root Planing: Root planing is performed in order to remove cementum and surface dentin that is embedded with unwanted microorganisms, toxins and tartar. The root of the tooth is literally smoothed, which promotes healing, and also helps prevent bacteria from easily colonizing in the future.
BENEFITS OF TREATMENT
If treatment is successful, scaling and planing may have many periodontal benefits. One is that it can help prevent disease. Research has proven that bacteria from periodontal infections can travel through the blood stream and affect other areas of the body, sometimes causing heart and respiratory diseases. Scaling and root planing remove bacteria that cause these conditions.
Another benefit of treatment is protecting teeth against tooth loss. When gum pockets exceed 3mm in depth, the risk for periodontal disease increases. As pockets deepen, more bacteria are able to colonize, eventually causing a chronic inflammatory response by the body to destroy gingival and bone tissue. This leads to tooth loss.
Finally, scaling and root planing may make the mouth more aesthetically pleasing, and should reduce bad breath caused from food particles and bacteria in the oral cavity. Superficial stains on the teeth will be removed during scaling and planing, adding an extra bonus to the procedures.
