Gentle Cleanings

Gentle Teeth Cleanings – What is Scaling and Root Planing?

Scaling and root planing is the most common and conservative form of treatment for the bacteria that causes periodontal (gum) disease and is done to remove hard crusty calculus (tartar) and plaque that is attached to the irregular surface of the teeth and around and BELOW the gum line. Plaque is a sticky substance, full of bacteria, that forms on teeth. When plaque hardens over time, it is called calculus (tartar). Scaling and root planing are done to remove them.

Scaling

A dental hygienist scales your teeth to remove any calculus (commonly called tartar) and build-up of plaque attached to the tooth surfaces. This process especially targets the area below the gum line, along the root to maintain your dental and periodontal good health.

Root Planing

Root planing is the process of smoothing down the root surface to prevent plaque from sticking to rough surfaces and to allow the gum tissue to reattach to roots that are clean and smooth to prevent tooth loss and sensitivity problems. Root planing removes any remaining calculus and smoothes irregular areas of the root surface. The procedure makes it more difficult for plaque to accumulate along the root surfaces.

Tooth brushing and flossing helps to remove the daily accumulation of tartar. However, to prevent the formation of decay and periodontal disease, professional scaling and root planning are essential. Dr. Bauer has many years of experience in dentistry and provides our patients with outstanding oral hygiene care.

Because this procedure goes deeper than a regular cleaning there can be some discomfort, but the patient will have the option of receiving a local anesthetic to numb the portion of your mouth that is being worked on. The cleaning may take one or more visits to complete depending on the extent of the disease and the sections (quadrants) of the mouth to be treated with scaling and root planing.

For two to three days after the treatment, you may have some soreness and be sensitive to hot and cold temperatures. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help. You may be asked to use an antiseptic mouth rinse after scaling and root planing. However, you should continue brushing and flossing as usual. You can expect some minor bleeding in the first days after scaling and root planing. This usually stops within a week.