
Scaling and root planing is a cornerstone of periodontal treatment aimed at combating gum disease and maintaining optimal oral health.
As an initial therapy, this non-surgical procedure is effective in removing harmful bacteria and promoting healthier gum tissue.
Understanding Gum Disease
Periodontal disease, commonly referred to as gum disease, is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the supporting structures of the teeth, including bone and gum tissue.
Left untreated, gum disease can lead to gum recession, deep pockets, and continued loss of bone support. This can result in tooth loss and negatively impact our overall systemic health, contributing to diseases such as heart disease, dementia, and diabetes.
Causes of Periodontal Disease
Gum disease develops due to the accumulation of plaque and tartar on tooth surfaces.
Plaque contains harmful bacteria that trigger an inflammatory response in the surrounding tissue, leading to periodontal infections.
Other contributing factors include:
- Poor oral hygiene habits, such as infrequent brushing/flossing and lack of routine dental care.
- Family history of periodontal disease.
- Medical conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, dementia, diabetes, thyroid disease, hormonal disorders, and autoimmune disorders.
- Smoking, vaping, or chewing tobacco use.
- A diet lacking in essential nutrients.
- Clenching and/or grinding teeth, also known as bruxism, can destabilize the supporting structures of the teeth and make them more susceptible to the effects of the harmful bacteria.
How to Prevent Gum Disease
Maintaining a healthy mouth requires a daily commitment to oral hygiene.
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, focusing on all tooth surfaces for a full two minutes.
- Clean between your teeth daily, with floss and/or waterpik, to remove plaque and food particles from between teeth and below the gumline where the toothbrush cannot reach.
- If recommended by your dentist, incorporate an antimicrobial mouth rinse into your routine to reduce harmful bacteria in the oral cavity.
- Limit sugary and acidic foods. Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. A healthy diet supports gum tissue health and reduces harmful plaque formation.
Regular dental visits for professional cleanings are essential to remove plaque and tartar that daily brushing and flossing cannot address. Adhere to any oral hygiene instructions provided by your dental professional to optimize your dental care routine.
At Clearwater Dentistry, routine teeth cleanings are performed with the use of EMS Airflow® One and Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT). This advanced technology ensures thorough removal of plaque, biofilm, and bacteria from tooth surfaces and gum pockets while providing a gentler and more comfortable experience than traditional methods.
What Is Scaling and Root Planing?
Scaling and root planing is a therapeutic cleaning procedure that targets deep periodontal pockets, where harmful bacteria accumulate.
Unlike routine preventative dental cleanings, which focus above the gumline only, this treatment targets the source of infection below the gums. It addresses deeper pockets to restore periodontal health and prevent further destruction of the bone and gums supporting the teeth.
Did you know?
Periodontal pockets are deep spaces or gaps that form between the gum tissue and the tooth due to active gum infection. These pockets develop when harmful bacteria accumulate and form plaque and tartar below the gumline, causing the gum tissue to pull away from the teeth and swell. In a healthy mouth, these spaces measure 1 to 3 mm in depth. In an unhealthy mouth, they can measure 4mm or deeper. Measurements of 4 mm or more with bone loss present, usually require therapeutic periodontal treatment.
Scaling involves physically removing plaque, tartar, and harmful bacteria from the tooth surfaces above and in periodontal pockets.
Root planing involves smoothing the tooth and root surfaces, making it more difficult for bacteria to reattach and form plaque.
This step also encourages the reattachment of gum tissue back to the root of the tooth, reducing the depth of gum pockets and supporting healthier gum tissue.
Why Is Scaling and Root Planing Needed?
When gum disease progresses to advanced stages, deep pockets form between the gum tissue and the teeth, harboring harmful bacteria. These bacteria can damage the bone tissue and lead to tooth loss if not treated promptly.
Scaling and root planing is an initial non-surgical therapy option aimed at halting this progression and restoring periodontal health.
Procedure Details
Scaling and root planing is typically performed in multiple dental visits, with 1-2 sections of the mouth treated at a time. Local anesthesia may be administered to minimize discomfort.
- Initial assessment: A dental professional will evaluate the oral cavity, measuring periodontal pockets and any recession to determine the severity of gum disease.
- Scaling: An ultrasonic scaler is used to remove plaque and tartar from both above and below the gumline.
- Root planing: The tooth roots are smoothed to reduce bacterial adhesion and to support the reattachment and healing of gum tissue.
- Application of antimicrobial agents: Antimicrobial agents or mouth rinses may be applied to reduce bacterial activity further and promote healing.
At Clearwater Dentistry, we incorporate the Precise® LTM diode laser in periodontal treatments. This advanced tool enhances the effectiveness of scaling and root planing by targeting and eliminating bacteria within the infected gum tissue, where traditional scaling and root planing cannot access.
Benefits of Using the Precise® LTM Diode Laser
The Precise® LTM diode laser offers several advantages in periodontal therapy:
- Targeted bacteria removal: The laser penetrates deep into the soft tissue, effectively eliminating any bacteria that has penetrated through the unhealthy tissue, where traditional instruments cannot access.
- Less invasive: The laser uses infrared light, minimizing trauma to healthy gum tissue, reducing pain and swelling.
- Promotes healing: Biostimulation from the laser encourages faster healing and regeneration of healthy tissue.
- Reduces risk of infection: The laser reduces even more bacteria than scaling and root planing alone by sterilizing the treated area, reducing the chance of reinfection.
Aftercare and Recovery
Proper aftercare is crucial for achieving the best results from scaling and root planing.
- Follow oral hygiene instructions: Brush gently and clean between teeth daily with floss/water flosser around the treated areas to maintain oral hygiene.
- Diet: Eat a balanced diet and avoid crunchy or hard foods that may irritate the gums during the healing process.
- Attend follow-up appointments: Regular dental visits allow professionals to monitor healing and provide additional periodontal treatments if necessary.
Risks and Considerations
Scaling and root planing is a safe and effective procedure, but there are some considerations:
- Sensitivity: Temporary tooth and/or gum sensitivity may occur after the procedure.
- Bleeding: Mild gum bleeding is common but should resolve within a few days.
- Gum recession: Slight gum recession may result as the inflammation in the tissues resolve.
Clearwater Dentistry: Your Partners in Oral Health
Scaling and root planing is a key non-surgical treatment option for gum disease and helps prevent further progression.
With the addition of the Precise® LTM diode laser, we provide an advanced approach to periodontal therapy, ensuring healthier teeth and gum tissue.
If you are experiencing symptoms of gum disease, such as swollen gums, bleeding, or loose teeth, contact Clearwater Dentistry to schedule a consultation.
To book an appointment at our dental office in Greeley, CO, call (970) 515-3550 or complete the online inquiry form! We are located at 3110 67th Avenue Place, Greeley, CO.