Scaling and Root Planing Procedure

Scaling and root planing is one of the procedures that periodontists use to treat gum disease. It is also known as deep cleaning, and it involves removing tartar and plaque from above and below the gum line.

The treatment is typically recommended when a person's bone structures and gum tissues around teeth have been damaged by advanced gum disease (periodontitis). It can also be used to reverse the first stage of gum disease, gingivitis.

Gum disease is an infection of gum tissues caused by the bacteria in plaque and tartar. Plaque is the sticky film that builds up on teeth after meals. It hardens into tartar when left on teeth for over a day. Tartar cannot be removed by brushing and flossing, so the bacteria are protected while damaging gum tissues and teeth structures.

Regular teeth cleaning treatments are used to remove tartar above the gum line, while scaling and root planing treatments are used to remove tartar from teeth roots and surfaces. The procedure also involves polishing teeth roots to make it harder for plaque and tartar to accumulate on them.

The scaling and root planing procedure

Deep cleanings are typically broken up into up to four treatments. The procedure involves manipulating gum tissues to reach teeth roots, which leads to a week-long recovery phase that often includes soreness and discomfort. Breaking up the treatment into multiple sessions makes recovery go smoother for patients. Here is what the procedure looks like:

• The periodontist starts by injecting the patient with a local anesthetic, which helps prevent hemorrhaging and numbs the area being worked on
• The patient remains awake while the periodontist performs the procedure, but they do not feel any pain
• The periodontist will remove tartar and plaque from beneath and between the patient’s gums, the roots of their teeth, and their bases
• The procedure is typically done with an ultrasonic or manual instrument
• The planing portion of the treatment involves polishing teeth roots to remove subgingival bacteria and smooth out rough spots
• Polishing teeth roots makes it harder for tartar deposits to form on them
• The patient’s teeth and gum pockets are then flushed to remove any bacteria left
• Pressure is applied to the patient’s gums to ensure proper tissue growth

Life after deep cleaning

It can take up to a week to recover from root scaling and planing. Common side effects that patients report include irritated gums, bleeding gums, swelling around the treated area, allergic reactions to materials used for the treatment, and mild discomfort.

Patients should avoid brushing aggressively right after the treatment. They should also avoid spicy and hot foods.