Scaling and Root Planing – Worcester, MA
Eliminating Bacteria for Healthier Gums
At Handsman & Haddad Periodontics, P.C., our experts believe in providing safe and effective solutions designed to treat and improve gum health. When bacteria attack soft oral tissues, early detection is key to minimizing worsening oral health conditions. However, should plaque and tartar spread beneath the gum line and cause pockets to form, gum disease treatment in Worcester known as scaling and root planing can be a beneficial way to treat the problem. If you want to learn more about this method of periodontal treatment, contact us today to schedule an appointment.
What is the Difference Between Scaling and Root Planing?
Although scaling and root planing are typically completed during the same appointment, there is a difference between the two treatments. Scaling involves removing plaque and tartar that has accumulated on the surface of your teeth that exists above the gum line. Root planing involves moving beneath the gum line and removing additional plaque and tartar before smoothing the tooth root to encourage proper reattachment.
Why is Scaling and Root Planing Necessary?
While it may not sound like a pleasant procedure, the truth is that not only will you be completely comfortable throughout the process, but it is necessary to ensure your oral and overall health do not suffer more serious complications down the road.
When gum disease is left untreated, it can adversely affect various areas of your body (i.e., brain, heart, lungs, kidneys, etc.). Once inflammation and infection enter the bloodstream, they can travel to various organs and cause problems to occur.
But your body isn’t the only thing that will suffer, gum disease can also cause recession of your soft oral tissues and destruction of your jawbone and teeth. As plaque and tartar spread, gum pockets will form, making it easier for bacteria and food particles to become trapped. Also, the longer you wait to receive treatment, the greater your risk of bacteria damaging your jawbone, causing it to deteriorate and lead to loose teeth that will eventually fall out.
You can also experience a dramatic change in the color of your teeth, as periodontal disease is known to cause aesthetic issues as well as bad breath because of the increased bacteria.
By undergoing scaling and root planing, you can safeguard your smile and body from the negative effects of gum disease. Instead of worrying about redness, inflammation, and bleeding gums, you can instead enjoy a healthier, more vibrant smile.
How Does Scaling & Root Planing Work?
If you suspect you are suffering from symptoms associated with periodontal disease, Dr. Handsman or Dr. Jenny can recommend bleeding gum treatment in Worcester, which includes scaling and root planing. After thoroughly examining your teeth and gum tissues during an initial appointment, we will create a comprehensive treatment plan mapping out how we plan to address the problem and restore your oral health.
On the day of your treatment, we will use specialized instruments to begin removing plaque and tartar from above the gum line (scaling). We will then begin to target the areas beneath the gum line and remove more plaque and tartar before smoothing the tooth root. This process makes it more difficult for bacteria to become trapped and attack your tissues, teeth, and bone.
Apart from the removal of these deposits, scaling and root planing also eradicates any toxins emitted by the bacteria inside your mouth.
Scaling & Root Planing FAQs
What should not be done after scaling and root planing?
You should avoid eating anything until the numbness in your mouth has worn off. After that, you should stay away from any spicy, acidic, hot, or cold foods while your mouth is still healing. It’s also best to exclude nuts, chips, and other crunchy foods from your diet for the time being.
For at least 24 hours, you should not engage in any vigorous physical exercise; it’s important to rest so that your mouth can heal properly.
What can I expect from scaling and root planing?
Scaling and root planing are quite safe. While there may be discomfort during the treatment, you can rest assured that we will do whatever we can to minimize it. For one thing, a local anesthetic will be used to keep the gums numb while we’re treating them. Some bleeding or swelling might occur after the procedure, but these symptoms will normally go away on their own.
If you notice excessive bleeding after your procedure, or if there is swelling that doesn’t seem to be getting better over time, please let us know immediately.
Do gums grow back after root planing?
Gum recession is a common consequence of gum disease. As such, once you have had root planing performed, you may be wondering whether your receded gum tissue will grow back. Unfortunately, the answer is no; once that tissue is gone, it is gone for good.
That being said, in many cases your gum recession can be reversed with a gum grafting procedure. For this treatment, we take a bit of tissue from the roof of your mouth and transplant it in order to cover the exposed parts of your teeth. We will let you know if we believe that your periodontal treatment should include gum grafting.
How painful is root planing?
As mentioned above, a local anesthetic will be used to keep your gums numb while root planing is being performed. Once the procedure is complete, your gums will feel a bit numb for a few days. We’ll give you aftercare instructions to follow after your root planing procedure to help you keep your discomfort under control and avoid problems during the recovery process. Any discomfort should fade over time; if it persists or grows worse, that’s not normal, and you should call our office immediately to let us know.
How Long Does Scaling and Root Planing Take?
Scaling and root planing often require at least two visits, with each appointment focusing on a different half of the mouth. You can typically expect these appointments to take about two hours. Note that several factors (such as the severity of your gum disease) could potentially affect the timeline of the procedure. Our team can give you an estimate of how long scaling and root planing will take in your case once we’ve examined your mouth and learned more about your specific oral health needs.
How Do I Maintain Gum Health After Scaling and Root Planing?
Once scaling and root planing are complete, you will need to focus on taking the right steps to manage your gum disease. This means maintaining excellent oral hygiene by brushing thoroughly at least two times a day. On top of that, you should floss daily if you don’t already; it may also be advisable to start rinsing regularly with antibacterial mouthwash.
It might be necessary to make a few adjustments to your lifestyle in order to protect your gums. For example, you should plan on minimizing your intake of sugary or starchy foods that can contribute to gum disease. You may also want to make an effort to drink more water to maintain a cleaner mouth.
Is There Anything I Need to Do to Prepare for Scaling and Root Planing?
Before your scaling and root planing appointment, you should let our team know about any health conditions you have as well as any medications you’re taking. Depending on your situation, we may need to make a few adjustments to your treatment plan.
While you’re waiting for your appointment, you should make oral hygiene a priority. Be sure to brush, floss, and rinse with mouthwash on a regular basis. This can go a long way toward preventing your gum disease from growing worse until scaling and root planing can be performed.
When is Scaling and Root Planing Recommended?
We may suggest undergoing scaling and root planing if you’re suffering from an advanced form of gum disease. Warning signs that the treatment is necessary include:
- Inflammation of the gums that doesn’t go away.
- Pockets between the teeth and gums that are more than 4 millimeters deep.
- Gum recession.
- Bone loss.
How Often Will I Need Periodontal Maintenance After Scaling and Root Planing?
After scaling and root planing, regular periodontal maintenance appointments may be needed to protect the health of your gums in the long term. These appointments typically take place every 3 to 4 months, although the exact frequency depends on your situation.
