If you were recently diagnosed with gum disease, your dentist will likely recommend root scaling and planing. Also known as periodontal scaling and root planing, it is a type of deep cleaning that removes plaque and tartar for a healthier mouth. Learn more about root scaling and planing here before undergoing this procedure. 

How Does It Work?

Root scaling and planing is typically the first treatment for gum disease. Depending on the severity of this chronic disease, periodic scaling and planing treatments might be necessary. It is a non-surgical procedure that requires applying a topical or local anesthetic before removing plaque, tartar, and bacteria with an ultrasonic tool or manual scraping tool. Scaling the teeth and gums in this way involves cleaning above and below the gumline, including the periodontal pockets gum disease creates. These pockets form as bacteria accumulate and gum tissue starts pulling away from tooth roots. 

Once the dentist has finished cleaning, they plane, or smooth, the gum tissue against the tooth root. This encourages the tissue to reattach to the tooth, which helps prevent bacteria from accumulating. Root planing and scaling subsequently mitigates further gum damage that can result in loose and missing teeth. It also reduces bad breath issues and gum problems such as inflamed, red, and bleeding tissue. 

What Are Some Recovery Tips?

The gums can feel tender and swollen following root planing and scaling. They might also bleed. To help the tissue heal efficiently, take any oral or topical medication the dentist prescribed to reduce pain and help with healing, respectively. You might also need to use a medicated mouth rinse until you can brush and floss normally. Brush twice a day using a soft-bristled implement and floss once a day when the dental professional gives you the go-ahead. Abstain from activities that can irritate gum tissue, such as smoking. Tobacco products also delay healing by inhibiting blood circulation to the gums. 

Other recovery tips include drinking plenty of water to flush sugary and starchy food particles from your mouth, since plaque feeds on such particles and releases decay-causing acids. A balanced diet that does not include a significant amount of sugar and starch helps you heal quickly as well.

For quality root scaling and planing services, contact Gregory E. Utecht, D.D.S. Serving Lincoln, NE and the surrounding communities, this dentist treats patients of all ages and is a member of the Nebraska Dental Association, American Dental Association, and the Lincoln Dental District. Call (402) 477-3456 today to make an appointment or learn more about services online.