Scaling and Root Planing – Worthington, PA
Deep Cleaning to Renew Gum Health
While the earliest stage of gum disease can often be reversed with diligent brushing and flossing at home, advanced gum infections typically require professional treatment. At Adam Associates Family Dental, Dr. Adam performs scaling and root planing to fight gum disease and boost oral health. Are your gums tender, swollen, or bleeding? Keep reading below to learn more about scaling and root planing in Worthington.
What Is Scaling and Root Planing?
Scaling and root planing is a highly effective form of periodontal therapy that can stop mild to moderate gum disease in its tracks. Essentially a deep cleaning of the gums, the two-part treatment involves removing plaque and bacteria from above and below the gumline and cleaning the affected tooth roots. In short, non-surgical scaling and root planing can rejuvenate the health of your gums and prevent future infections from occurring.
What Are the Benefits?
Stopping the progression of gum disease is the biggest benefit of scaling and root planing. Other benefits of this type of periodontal therapy in Worthington include:
- Reducing the risk of tooth decay and tooth loss
- Protecting tooth roots from harmful plaque and bacteria
- Reducing the risk of diseases linked to gum infections, such as heart disease, diabetes, and more
- Eliminating bad breath associated with gum disease
- Increasing self-confidence thanks to a clean, healthy smile
- Potentially saving time and money by preventing the need for more extensive periodontal treatment in the future
How Does Scaling and Root Planing Work?
Root planing and scaling in Worthington is often performed with local anesthesia to ensure the patient’s complete comfort throughout the procedure.
Once your gums are numbed, Dr. Adams will use a special scaling tool to remove plaque and tartar from the surface of your teeth, the tooth roots, and around the gums.
Next, using a different instrument, he will smooth out any rough spots on your tooth roots and remove any infected tissue. Root planing helps keep bacteria from re-accumulating on the roots again in the future.
Scaling and Root Planing Aftercare
Following this deep cleaning treatment, your gums may swell, feel tender, or bleed for a few days or even a week. Over-the-counter pain medication can help relieve any temporary discomfort. Dr. Adams may schedule a follow up visit after a few weeks to evaluate how your gums have healed.
In the long term, practicing excellent oral hygiene at home is essential to prevent gum disease from reoccurring. After scaling and root planing, be sure to brush your teeth twice a day for a full two minutes each time using a soft-bristled toothbrush. In addition, be sure to floss at least once a day and consider incorporating an anti-bacterial mouthwash into your oral hygiene routine.
Finally, don’t forget to schedule a routine checkup and professional cleaning with Dr. Adams every six months!