Scaling and Root Planing

If a dental exam shows that you have gum disease, scaling and root planing are treatment options that may be recommended. These treatments provide a clean slate to encourage the gums to restore and heal, bringing back a better state of oral health overall.

We offer scaling and root planing within our preventive services at Reed Family Dental. These services can help gum disease from worsening and creating more damage. Our team will help you with your dental needs while creating a warm, comfortable environment to make the process easier.

What Is Gum Disease?

Food residue and bacteria contribute to the buildup of substances known as plaque and calculus tartar, which can stay on the teeth when they are not properly cleaned through a good oral hygiene routine and professional dental cleanings.

The plaque is a sticky substance that eventually turns into the harder substance of tartar. Once tartar develops, you really need a professional cleaning to remove it, as a toothbrush and floss have a hard time combating it.

The buildup on the teeth leads to a variety of tooth and gum problems, including gum irritation, inflammation and disease. Inflamed gums can separate themselves from the teeth and develop pockets. 

This process gives an invitation for plaque to enter, which progresses the problem and can eventually lead to tooth and even bone loss. Gum disease, or periodontal disease, also contributes to a reduced state of overall health throughout the body.

What Are Dental Scaling and Root Planing Treatments?

These periodontal treatments provide a method of addressing gum disease. When a professional dental cleaning is not sufficient for treating the gum disease, the next step is to turn to scaling and root planing.

The process begins with scaling, which is the removal of the plaque and tartar on the teeth and beneath the gumline with professional tools and techniques. This process includes a comprehensive cleansing of the pockets that have developed between the teeth and gums.

Next, our dentist, Dr. Allison Reed, performs root planing. She uses a specialty dental tool to smooth the tooth roots that are exposed. The scaling and root planing together create a clean, healthy environment for the gums to heal and reattach themselves to the teeth.

The members of our team do everything possible to make you comfortable during this treatment. Our dentist may use an anesthetic to improve your comfort levels, and our team helps you feel relaxed. 

What Follows Scaling and Root Planing?

During your visit for this procedure, our team may provide special recovery instructions, such as using a mouth rinse. We will have you return so Dr. Reed can see if the gums are healing and reattaching properly.

Also, our team members encourage patients with gum disease to start a good oral hygiene habit to prevent the problem from returning. By regularly brushing, flossing and attending cleaning and checkup visits at our office, you can prevent the plaque and tartar from building up again and keep the gums as healthy as possible.

Come In for a Checkup

If you haven’t done so already, the place to start is with an exam. During this visit, our dentist determines whether you have gum disease and discusses treatment options with you, including scaling and root planing if applicable.

Get in touch with our friendly receptionist at 740-622-5695 to make your appointment.