Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, can lead to serious complications. In the first stage called gingivitis, it is usually common for dentists to recommend dental cleaning. However, deep cleaning procedures like teeth scaling and root planing may be necessary if a patient has chronic periodontal disease. Your dentist in Transcona will answer all your questions related to the procedure, but for your help, here is a guide on teeth scaling.
What exactly is teeth scaling?
Teeth scaling is usually done when a patient has plaque buildup that causes gums to pull away from teeth, leading to the formation of pockets. Regular brushing and flossing cannot get rid of bacterial growth in these pockets, and that’s where teeth scaling comes in.
What causes chronic periodontal disease?
There are several risk factors for chronic periodontal disease, including poor oral hygiene, use of tobacco products and smoking, aging, hormonal changes, and poor nutrition. If you have gum disease, you may notice a few telltale signs like bleeding and tender gums, persistent bad breath, shifting of teeth, and a change in your bite.
Procedure at a glance
Both teeth scaling and root scaling are outpatient procedures, and you will need at least two appointments, depending on the extent and severity of gum disease. Your dentist may decide to use local anesthesia to prevent pain and discomfort. If you have such concerns, let the dentist know in advance. Scaling involves scraping the plaque from the teeth and pockets between teeth and gums. This is usually followed by root planing, where the dentist uses a scaling tool to smoothen the roots to help the gums heal and reattach to the teeth. You may or may not need oral antibiotics. You will have to return for a second checkup, where they will review if teeth scaling has delivered the right results besides looking for signs of infection. The treatment’s primary goal is to reduce the pockets.
Should you consider teeth scaling?
Both teeth scaling and root planing are the ideal treatments for chronic gum disease. These procedures address the pockets that develop between teeth and gums, which can otherwise lead to bone and tissue loss or even teeth loss.
Are there any risks?
Teeth scaling is generally considered to be a safe procedure, but there is a risk of infection, for which your dentist may recommend using a medicated mouthwash or prescribe antibiotics. If the pain gets worse or the gums don’t heal as expected, call the dentist immediately. Fever could be a sign of an infection. It is not unusual to experience some pain, sensitivity, and tenderness in your gums after teeth scaling, but these small side effects should subside within a few days.
After teeth scaling
You can go back to your oral hygiene habits after teeth scaling and root planing. Ensure you brush and floss your teeth at least twice each day and eat a healthy and nutritious diet. Keep up with your dental appointments and ensure you watch out for the signs of gum disease. If you follow the essential guidelines, your dentist may just recommend dental cleaning in the future instead of deep cleaning through root planing and teeth scaling to address the risks of gum disease.
Final word
One of the many reasons why patients end up with advanced periodontal disease is because they don’t see their dentist often. Gum disease may not present symptoms immediately, and through regular checkups, your dentist will be able to identify signs of periodontal problems and recommend the right treatment. Find a dental clinic in Transcona today and schedule an appointment if you haven’t seen your dentist in the last six months.