Scaling and Root Planing: A Deeper Dental Cleaning

Scaling and root planing is a deep dental cleaning cleaning that is instrumental in the prevention and management of gum disease. This procedure goes deeper than the standard dental cleaning to address problems below the gum line. For those with gum disease or at a high risk of developing gum disease, scaling and root planing can help save teeth and protect overall oral health.

Understanding scaling and root planing

Together, scaling and root planing are also known as a deep dental cleaning. The standard cleaning performed by a dental hygienist at a typical dental appointment involves the use of special tools to remove plaque and tartar buildup from the teeth above the gum line. However, those with gingivitis or gum disease need a more thorough cleaning, like scaling and root planing, that also removes plaque and tartar buildup below the gum line.

Reasons for the procedure

Scaling and root planing are key to reversing gingivitis and preventing its progression into periodontitis. The unaddressed buildup of plaque and tartar can lead to gingivitis, the beginning stage of gum disease where the gums become inflamed and start to pull away from the teeth. As this happens, pockets start to form, allowing plaque and tartar to collect under the gum line. Scaling and root planing remove this plaque and tartar and help the gums reattach more firmly to the teeth.

Who may need scaling and root planing?

Anyone with gum disease or gingivitis can benefit from this procedure. According to the Cleveland Clinic, nearly half of all people in the United States have some form of gum disease, and nearly three out of four adults 65 and over have it. Risk factors for gum disease include the following:

• Being over 65 years of age
• Diabetes
• Genetic predisposition
• Heart disease
• Arthritis
• Pregnancy
• Poor dental hygiene
• High stress
• Smoking

A general dentist will likely recommend this procedure for those with several risk factors.

Risks vs. benefits

This deep dental cleaning is a minimally invasive procedure with few complications or side effects. However, the benefits are invaluable to dental health. Not only can this procedure prevent gum disease from progressing, preventing tooth loss and other oral health problems, but it can also reverse gingivitis before it leads to gum disease.

What to expect from the procedure

The procedure usually takes place over a few appointments as the general dentist will often clean one side of the mouth per appointment. The dentist begins by numbing the side of the mouth to be treated with a local anesthetic. Then, they will use special tools to remove the plaque and tartar from the gum line and pockets.

Next, the general dentist cleans the buildup from the roots of the teeth and smooths them out so the gums can reattach more snugly. Sometimes, they will inject antibiotic medication into the gum pocket. The gums may be tender and swollen after the procedure, but recovery does not require any downtime.