Periodontal Scaling and Root Planing

Periodontal scaling and root planing is the most common and conservative form of treatment for periodontal disease. This technique allows dental professionals to clean between teeth and gums, all the way down to the roots and is the most effective way to treat periodontal disease before it becomes severe.

Periodontal disease (also referred to as periodontitis or gum disease) occurs when bacteria gets into the gumline, slowly destroying it and ultimately leading to tooth loss if left untreated. There are often warnings of periodontal disease, including bad breath, reddening of the gums or bleeding from the gums when brushing your teeth. More serious symptoms include tender or swollen gums, spaces or pus between teeth and the gumline and receding gums that make your teeth look longer. If you need the best periodontal scaling Portland has to offer, contact us today!

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Root Planning Portland: The Main Cause of Periodontal Disease

Bacteria cause periodontal disease. Plaque is a sticky substance, full of bacteria, that forms on teeth. When plaque hardens over time, it is called calculus. Plaque and calculus provide irregular surfaces that allow these bacteria to attach easily.

Scaling and root planing removes the plaque and calculus through a deep cleaning process. Plaque is more likely to stick to rough surfaces. For this reason, the root surface is made smooth in a process called root planing. Dental scaling, a crucial part of periodontal treatments, targets plaque and tartar both above and below the gum line. Root planing removes any remaining calculus and smoothes irregular areas of the root surface.

For early stages of the disease, this treatment may be all that is needed to get the condition under control. With more advanced gum disease, scaling and root planing may be the first step before dental implants or surgery, helping to manage inflammation and promote healing of the gum tissue.

What is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, is a chronic infection that affects the gums and the bone supporting the teeth. This widespread condition impacts millions of people globally. If left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to severe consequences, including tooth loss and other systemic health issues. The primary cause of periodontal disease is the buildup of bacterial plaque and tartar on the teeth. This accumulation can result in inflammation and infection of the gums and surrounding tissues, compromising overall oral health.

Causes and Risk Factors

Bacterial Plaque and Tartar

Bacterial plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that continuously forms on the teeth throughout the day. If not effectively removed through regular brushing and flossing, plaque can harden into tartar, a hard, yellowish deposit that adheres firmly to the teeth. Tartar buildup can only be removed through professional dental cleaning in Portland. When tartar accumulates, it can lead to gum inflammation and infection, which, if left untreated, can progress to periodontal disease.

Poor Oral Hygiene and Other Risk Factors

Poor oral hygiene is a significant risk factor for developing periodontal disease. Inadequate brushing and flossing can result in the buildup of plaque and tartar, leading to gum inflammation and infection. Other risk factors contributing to periodontal disease include smoking, diabetes, genetic predisposition, and certain medications. These factors can exacerbate the condition, making it crucial to maintain good oral hygiene and address any underlying health issues.

Early Warning Signs

The early warning signs of periodontal disease can be subtle, but recognizing them is essential to prevent the disease from progressing. These signs include:

Bleeding gums during brushing or flossing
Red, swollen, or tender gums
Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth
Loose teeth or a noticeable change in the way the teeth fit together
Receding gums or exposed roots

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is crucial to schedule a dental appointment to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment. Early intervention can help manage periodontal disease and maintain healthy gums and teeth.

The Procedure

Periodontal Scaling and Root Planning Procedure

Scaling and root planing is done with a combination of ultrasonic scalers and hand instruments. Ultrasonic instruments have two components:

A relatively dull metal tip that vibrates at a very high frequency and "knocks" plaque and calculus off the tooth
A water irrigation system that cools the tip and helps to flush out debris from around the teeth

Hand instruments are not powered. They have cutting edges that your dentist or hygienist uses to chip away plaque and calculus. These instruments come in various shapes and sizes. Distinct instruments are used for different teeth, and even for different surfaces of the same tooth.

Typically, ultrasonic instruments are used first to remove large deposits of plaque and calculus from the crowns and roots of the teeth. Hand instruments called scalers and curettes are then used to remove any remaining material and make sure that the tooth surface is clean and smooth. When working under the gum line, your dentist or hygienist cannot see the plaque or calculus, instead relying on the sense of touch to feel for roughness on the root surface.

Sometimes, scaling and root planing can be completed in one visit. This is known as full mouth disinfection.

Follow-Up

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 alleviate discomfort.

You may be asked to use an antiseptic mouth rinse after scaling and root planing. This is especially likely if your gums are very sore. 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.

Potential Risks and Results

It may be necessary for you to take antibiotics before certain dental procedures. Consult your dentist regarding this important step, especially if your doctor has advised this plan of action before undergoing scaling or root planing.
Treating periodontitis decreases gum inflammation and reduces or eliminates periodontal pockets which can trap plaque. Therefore, if treatment is successful, the swelling will be gone and your gums will shrink or recede.

The extent of gum shrinkage depends on the initial depth of the pocket and the severity of periodontitis. The more severe the disease, the more your gums will recede after successful therapy. As a result, some part of the root may be exposed, which makes the tooth look longer. It also will be more sensitive to heat and cold. To prevent root cavities, your dentist may prescribe a fluoride-containing gel to help control plaque on and around your teeth.

If you develop a fever or a lot of bleeding, pain or swelling after scaling and root planing, contact your dental professional immediately for help. Minor pain and discomfort can be treated with simple over-the-counter pain relievers.

It’s vital to practice good dental hygiene after this procedure to prevent any further progression of gum disease. Brush thoroughly after each meal and floss once a day to get rid of the bacteria that form plaque. Visit your dentist regularly, unless otherwise directed, to keep your teeth as healthy as possible.

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