Maintaining optimal oral health goes beyond regular brushing and flossing. At Washington Periodontics, we emphasize the importance of comprehensive dental treatments that address underlying issues with dental care treatments scaling and root planing here in the Burke, VA, area. This deep-cleaning procedure is crucial for managing gum disease and ensuring long-term dental health. If you’re curious about how scaling and root planing can benefit your oral health, read on to discover the top five advantages of this essential treatment.

What is Scaling and Root Planing?

Scaling and root planing are deep-cleaning dental procedures for treating and managing periodontal (gum) disease. They go beyond the regular cleaning you receive during a routine dental visit to address issues below the gum line. Here’s a detailed look at each procedure:

Scaling

Scaling involves removing plaque and tartar (calculus) from the surface of your teeth and beneath the gum line. Plaque is a soft, sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth and can harden into tartar if not removed. Tartar cannot be removed with a toothbrush or floss and requires professional cleaning. Scaling is typically performed using specialized dental instruments or ultrasonic devices that help break up and remove these deposits. By eliminating plaque and tartar, scaling helps reduce the bacterial load contributing to gum inflammation and infection.

Root Planing

Root planing is the process of smoothing out the surfaces of tooth roots to remove any remaining tartar and help the gums reattach to the teeth. During this procedure, the periodontist or hygienist will carefully clean the roots of your teeth to remove rough spots where bacteria can accumulate. Smoothing these surfaces helps reduce inflammation and promote healing of the gum tissue. This step is crucial for preventing the reformation of deep pockets between the teeth and gums, which can harbor harmful bacteria.

Benefits of Scaling and Root Planing

1. Effective Treatment for Gum Disease

Scaling and root planing are designed to combat periodontal disease by removing plaque and tartar build-up from below the gum line. Plus, this deep-cleaning process helps eliminate harmful bacteria contributing to gum inflammation and infection. Moreover, by addressing these issues early, scaling and root planing can halt the progression of gum disease, preventing more severe complications such as tooth loss.

2. Improved Gum Health

One of the primary benefits of scaling and root planing is the significant improvement in gum health. By thoroughly cleaning the tooth roots and smoothing out rough surfaces, this procedure helps gums reattach teeth more effectively. As a result, patients often experience reduced gum bleeding, swelling, and discomfort, leading to healthier gums and a more stable periodontal environment.

3. Prevention of Tooth Loss

Scaling and root planing are crucial in preventing tooth loss, a common consequence of advanced periodontal disease. Furthermore, by removing the deposits that cause gum inflammation and periodontal pockets, this treatment helps strengthen the support structures around your teeth. This proactive approach reduces the risk of tooth mobility and loss, ensuring that your natural teeth remain intact and functional for years to come.

4. Enhanced Oral Hygiene

However, many patients find that scaling and root planing make their oral hygiene routines more effective. Therefore, removing plaque and tartar build-up makes maintaining clean teeth and gums at home more accessible. Additionally, with improved oral hygiene, you can better manage your dental health, reduce the risk of future gum disease, and enjoy fresher breath.

5. Long-Term Cost Savings

Investing in scaling and root planing can save long-term costs by preventing more extensive and costly dental procedures. Plus, addressing gum disease in its early stages reduces the likelihood of requiring more complex treatments, such as gum surgeries or restorative work due to tooth loss. Ultimately, maintaining oral health through regular scaling and root planing can be a financially savvy choice that pays off in the long run.

What is Scaling and Root Planing?

This procedure is often referred to as "deep cleaning." It is generally a two-step process to remove bacteria and other risk factors for gum disease. The first step involves lifting harmful substances from underneath the gumline. The second step is smoothing the rough root surfaces, which attract bacteria, plaque build-up, and other "bad stuff."

But I already have my teeth cleaned every six months – why do I need this?

The cleaning you mentioned is an important routine preventive dental service for all patients, including those who are healthy. This cleaning, also known as prophylaxis, is typically performed every six months during regular dental checkups. However, harmful bacteria can accumulate and potentially cause disease within about 90 days after a cleaning appointment. Some patients with gum disease or at higher risk may need more frequent cleanings.

During these visits, dental hygienists remove harmful substances from the teeth and gumline. For those showing signs of gum disease, a more thorough cleaning technique called scaling and root planing (SRP) is used to clean beneath the gums.

Why is it called "Scaling" and "Root Planing"?

Scaling is the first step in the process. We use special instruments or ultrasonic tools to break up and remove stubborn and destructive deposits of plaque and tartar. The planning part comes next and involves carefully removing any uneven or rough surfaces from the roots of the teeth. Smooth roots are less likely to attract bacteria, which helps to minimize inflammation and encourages healing and the reduction of the deep pockets that form between the teeth and gums as gum disease progresses.

Is SRP right for every patient with gum disease?

No single treatment service is universally appropriate for all patients with the same or similar conditions. However, SRP is a nonsurgical intervention for those whose periodontitis has not progressed. It may also be appropriate for patients who have not gotten adequate results with modifications to the brushing and flossing technique or the introduction of special antibacterial rinses and other products. For individuals with more advanced forms of periodontitis, surgical interventions may be necessary.

What is periodontitis?

Periodontal disease or gum disease is a progressive condition. What starts as inflammation or gingivitis can progress to an infection known as periodontitis. At this stage, deep pockets form between the teeth and gums that harbor bacteria, plaque, and tartar. These severe infections can also result in the loss of the supportive soft tissue (gums) and the hard tissue (bone). Teeth can become loose and lost completely, or extraction may be required.  

Will I need further treatment?

For many patients, no further treatment beyond SRP is needed as long as good oral care is maintained. However, it is essential to keep any recommended follow-up appointments. During these visits, we will measure the periodontal pockets or spaces between your teeth and gums to assess the effectiveness of this procedure and gauge the progress in your gums' natural healing. 

Scaling and Root Planing in Burke, VA

At Washington Periodontics, Dr. Christine Karapetian and her team are here to help you achieve and maintain excellent oral health. Therefore, if you’re experiencing symptoms of gum disease or have questions about scaling and root planing, we invite you to schedule a consultation with us. Discover how this essential treatment can benefit your smile and set the foundation for a healthier future.