Prevent Periodontal Disease with Scaling and Root Planing Procedure

Periodontal disease is a serious problem for many Americans and one of the leading causes of tooth loss among adults. Once it develops, periodontal disease can only be treated through professional intervention by your dentist. Scaling and root planing is a type of deep dental cleaning that can stop the infection before it spreads deeper into the jaw. At Dr. Bostani’s Advanced Dental in Burbank, California, we use scaling and root planing to help restore your oral health.

Why scaling and root planing is necessary

Periodontal disease is caused by a buildup of plaque and calculus along the tooth and root surfaces. Plaque is a sticky substance that forms when bacteria feed on the sugars and starches in foods. The bacteria in the plaque release acids that can destroy your enamel, causing cavities and gum disease. When left untreated, plaque can develop on the tooth roots and begin to break down the bone structure that supports your teeth.

Once this buildup of plaque has been left untreated, it can cause symptoms such as swelling, pain, bleeding, and loss of teeth. Regular teeth cleanings are unable to effectively target these significant plaque buildups above and below the gum line, which is why we recommend scaling and root planing.

What to expect with scaling and root planing

The scaling and root planing procedure is typically completed over the course of several dental appointments. Each time the mouth will be numbed with a local anesthetic to make it comfortable while we clean below the gum line.

The scaling portion of the procedure involves the removal of plaque and tartar buildup on the surface of the teeth above the gum line. Root planing is the process of removing this same buildup from the surface of the tooth root below the gum line and then smoothing them out to help the gum tissue reattach to the teeth. In some cases, an antibiotic medication may be applied directly into the pocket around the tooth as it’s being cleaned.

Following the procedure, you may experience pain and sensitivity for several days. You may also notice inflammation, bleeding, or tenderness of the gum tissue. An antibiotic may be prescribed to prevent infection and aid in healing.

Preventing reinfection

Following a scaling and root planing procedure, it’s extremely important to maintain good oral hygiene and routine dental visits to maintain your oral health. It is recommended that patients with a history of periodontal disease receive cleanings anywhere from 3-4 times per year to reduce bacteria and monitor for signs of progression.

Call us today to learn more!

If you are in the Burbank, CA, area and have concerns about your oral health and the potential risk of gum disease, please call us at (818) 918-5533.