Scaling and Root Planing

in Laurel, MD

Scaling and Root Planing Services

Periodontal (gum-related) disease impacts more than 60 million Americans each year. The earliest stage of the disease, called gingivitis, occurs when the gums become inflamed, causing pain or bleeding while brushing. Without intervention, gingivitis progresses until it becomes periodontitis when the gums actually pull away from the teeth.

But all of this is avoidable with proper dental hygiene. Taking care of your teeth and gums is essential to maintaining a healthy smile and mouth. One of the most common methods of maintenance is to see your dentist for regular teeth cleanings that include tooth scaling and root planing.

Treating Gum Disease

Periodontal scaling and root planing help treat gum disease to prevent further tooth and bone decay. Gum disease occurs when plaque builds up along the gum line, causing inflammation (gingivitis). It’s normal for plaque to form on your teeth, and daily cleaning (brushing and flossing) should remove the majority that builds up. Without this regular brushing and flossing, your gums swell and pull away from your teeth, leaving spaces for further plaque buildup to congregate (periodontitis). When plaque fills these pockets, it’s impossible for normal brushing and flossing to remove, causing gum disease (or periodontal disease). Tooth and bone loss often occur when gum disease is not treated in a timely fashion.

Preventing Periodontal Disease

If gum disease is caught in its earliest stages, a professional cleaning may do the trick. But if the plaque-filled pockets between your gums and teeth are too deep, scaling and root planing is necessary. Our doctors are professionally trained in periodontal disease and will happily perform scaling and root planing to get you on track for a healthy mouth and a happy smile. From children to adults, our doctors will address any periodontal issues that may exist, and can also assess the risk of developing future periodontal disease.

What Is Periodontal Scaling?

Periodontal scaling is a procedure that removes the plaque and tartar that fill the pocket below the gum line (tartar is hardened plaque). Your doctor will use a small instrument to scrape the plaque and tartar away and out of the pocket. Once the scaling is complete, your doctor will begin planing, or smoothing, the root of your tooth. This makes it easier for your gum to reattach to the tooth, which is necessary for your gums to fully recover. Often both procedures can be completed in one visit. But in severe cases, multiple visits and local anesthetic may be necessary.

Scaling and Root Planing Specialists

The best news about periodontal disease, tooth scaling, and root planing is that it’s nearly always preventable with proper dental hygiene. Make sure to brush and floss twice each day, and visit your dentist for dental cleaning and exams at regular intervals. In addition to proper dental care, avoid tobacco use and your teeth and gums will stay healthy. If periodontal disease does begin to develop, give us a call so we can stop its progression in its tracks.

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