Treatment Overview
Root planing and scaling is one of the most
effective ways to treat
gum disease before it becomes severe. Root planing and
scaling cleans between the gums and the teeth down to the
roots. Your dentist may need to use a
local anesthetic to numb your gums and the roots of
your teeth.
Some dentists and dental hygienists will use an
ultrasonic tool for the planing and scaling. This tool is not as uncomfortable as a
standard scraping tool, but not all cleanings require this type of tool.
Your dentist may place
antibiotic fibers into the pockets between your teeth
and gums. The
antibiotic will help speed healing and prevent
infection. The dentist will remove the fibers about 1 week after the
procedure.
What To Expect After Treatment
If anesthesia is used, your lips and
gums may remain numb for a few hours. Planing and scaling causes little or no
discomfort.
Why It Is Done
Root planing and scaling is done
when gums have either started to pull away from the teeth or the roots of the
teeth have hard mineral deposits (tartar) on them.
How Well It Works
If you maintain good dental care
after the procedure, the progression of gum disease should stop. And your gums
will heal and become firm and pink again.
Risks
Root planing and scaling can introduce harmful
bacteria into the bloodstream. Gum tissue is also at risk of infection. You may
need to take antibiotics before and after surgery if you have a condition that
puts you at high risk for a severe infection or if
infections are particularly dangerous for you. You may need to take antibiotics
if you:
- Have certain heart problems that make
it dangerous for you to get a heart infection called
endocarditis.
- Have
an
impaired immune system.
- Had recent major surgeries or
have man-made body parts, such as an artificial hip or heart
valve.
What To Think About
- Root planing and scaling is a simple procedure
that can work very well to stop gum disease.
- Brush and
floss regularly afterward. Without proper dental care, your gum disease may
progress.
- To promote healing, stop all use of tobacco. Smoking
or using spit tobacco reduces your ability to fight infection of your gums
and delays healing. To learn more, see the topic Quitting Smoking.
Complete the special treatment information form (PDF)(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this treatment.
Credits
ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerAdam Husney, MD - Family Medicine