Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhen Is It Needed?Causes of Periodontal DiseaseTreatmentRisks and BenefitsFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
When Is It Needed?
Causes of Periodontal Disease
Treatment
Risks and Benefits
Frequently Asked Questions
Teeth scaling and root planning are dental treatments forplaqueandtartar(calculus) buildup above and below the gumline. It is also known as deep cleaning. The buildup of these substances occurs in advanced gum disease orchronic periodontal disease(periodontitis). It causes the gums to pull away from surrounding structures, leading to tooth and bone loss.
Teeth scaling and root planning is a standard dental procedure that is a highly effective approach to periodontitis, improving the health of both teeth and gums.
This article provides a quick overview of periodontal disease, how teeth scaling and root planning work, as well as what you can expect when you get treatment.
Eva-Katalin / Getty Images
When Is Teeth Scaling and Root Planing Needed?
Primarily,teeth scalingand root planing procedures remove tartar and plaque buildup from chronic periodontal disease. The techniques can get below the gumline to the roots of teeth, making them essential for taking on this common cause of dental issues.
Consequences of Chronic Periodontal Disease
Chronic periodontal disease is an advanced bacterial infection of the gums orgingivitis. The latter is reversible, but the former can only be slowed with more extensive treatment. This condition is very common. About half of the adults in the United States have some form of the condition, with 8.5% experiencing severe periodontal disease.
When it’s allowed to progress, the condition is a leading cause oftooth decay, loosening, and loss. Chronic periodontal disease can also cause weakening and deterioration of the thick layer that surrounds and anchors the teeth (alveolar bone).
Several risk factors are known to lead to chronic periodontal disease, including:
Symptoms of Periodontal Disease
How to Get Rid of Lingering Bad Breath
What Happens During Teeth Scaling and Root Planing
Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect during the procedure:
What Are the Risks and Benefits of Teeth Scaling?
Generally speaking, the risks of not having teeth scaling and root planing outweigh the risks of the procedure. There are some possible side effects, but the treatment is usually well-tolerated and highly successful at restoring oral health.
Benefits of Teeth Scaling
What to Expect After Teeth Scaling and Root Planing
Teeth scaling and root planing involve significant work below the gumline and between the gums and surrounding tooth or bone. There can be side effects but they will generally get better within two to three days. Possible side effects of tooth scaling and root planing include:
To help with discomfort, your dentist or periodontist may recommend over-the-counter (OTC)pain medications, such as Motrin oraspirin.
You might be prescribedantibioticsor an antibacterial mouthwash to help prevent infection after the treatment.To help your gums heal, you might be asked to swish with a solution of warm salt water throughout the day.
Keeping up with good oral health practices is key for the success of teeth scaling and root planing. Here are some important things to keep in mind:
Tooth SensitivityIt’s not unusual for tooth sensitivity to follow teeth scaling and root planing for several weeks. This symptom can last up to six weeks after treatment.
Tooth Sensitivity
It’s not unusual for tooth sensitivity to follow teeth scaling and root planing for several weeks. This symptom can last up to six weeks after treatment.
When to Call the Dentist
Some tooth sensitivity, bleeding, and gum tenderness, and other side effects are expected in the days following treatment. However, call your dentist or periodontist if you experience:
Summary
Teeth scaling and root planing are procedures that treat chronic periodontal disease, an advanced form of gum disease. Performed with a local anesthetic, a dentist or periodontist uses tools to remove plaque and tartar buildup below the gumline and at the roots of teeth.
It is a well-tolerated, standard treatment, but keeping up with positive oral hygiene habits after the treatment and going to follow-up appointments is key to preserving the health of your teeth and gums.
A Word from Verywell
Dental treatments like teeth scaling and root planing are essential for preserving the health and appearance of your smile. By stopping the progression of periodontal disease, the treatment works to prevent tooth and bone loss. This can help prevent the need for more extensive surgery later on. When it comes to your oral health, it’s important to be proactive. If you’re experiencing symptoms of gum disease, get dental care as soon as you can.
Frequently Asked QuestionsTeeth scaling and root planing are done while your mouth is numbed with a local anesthetic. Aside from the pinch that you’ll feel when the medicine is injected, it’s a painless and well-tolerated procedure.However, some discomfort and gum tenderness can be expected for up to a week after the treatment.Learn MoreTeeth Cleaning: What to ExpectIt usually takes two appointments for a complete root planing and scaling, with each one focused on one half of the mouth. The procedures take between one to two hours, depending on the scope of the work.Learn MoreThe Options for Direct and Indirect Dental RestorationThe goal of teeth scaling and root planing is to stop the progression of chronic periodontal disease. The amount of work that’s needed depends on the individual case and the scope of the disease and infection. In more severe cases, dentists or periodontists may recommend two or more scaling and root planing procedures a year.Learn MoreOral Hygiene TipsThe gums start healing shortly after teeth scaling and root planing. As long as there are no complications or issues, the inflammation and bleeding after treatment should get better within three days. They’ll be completely healed within two weeks of the procedure.Learn More4 Signs You Have Gum Disease and What to Do About It
Teeth scaling and root planing are done while your mouth is numbed with a local anesthetic. Aside from the pinch that you’ll feel when the medicine is injected, it’s a painless and well-tolerated procedure.However, some discomfort and gum tenderness can be expected for up to a week after the treatment.Learn MoreTeeth Cleaning: What to Expect
Teeth scaling and root planing are done while your mouth is numbed with a local anesthetic. Aside from the pinch that you’ll feel when the medicine is injected, it’s a painless and well-tolerated procedure.However, some discomfort and gum tenderness can be expected for up to a week after the treatment.
Learn MoreTeeth Cleaning: What to Expect
It usually takes two appointments for a complete root planing and scaling, with each one focused on one half of the mouth. The procedures take between one to two hours, depending on the scope of the work.Learn MoreThe Options for Direct and Indirect Dental Restoration
It usually takes two appointments for a complete root planing and scaling, with each one focused on one half of the mouth. The procedures take between one to two hours, depending on the scope of the work.
Learn MoreThe Options for Direct and Indirect Dental Restoration
The goal of teeth scaling and root planing is to stop the progression of chronic periodontal disease. The amount of work that’s needed depends on the individual case and the scope of the disease and infection. In more severe cases, dentists or periodontists may recommend two or more scaling and root planing procedures a year.Learn MoreOral Hygiene Tips
The goal of teeth scaling and root planing is to stop the progression of chronic periodontal disease. The amount of work that’s needed depends on the individual case and the scope of the disease and infection. In more severe cases, dentists or periodontists may recommend two or more scaling and root planing procedures a year.
Learn MoreOral Hygiene Tips
The gums start healing shortly after teeth scaling and root planing. As long as there are no complications or issues, the inflammation and bleeding after treatment should get better within three days. They’ll be completely healed within two weeks of the procedure.Learn More4 Signs You Have Gum Disease and What to Do About It
The gums start healing shortly after teeth scaling and root planing. As long as there are no complications or issues, the inflammation and bleeding after treatment should get better within three days. They’ll be completely healed within two weeks of the procedure.
Learn More4 Signs You Have Gum Disease and What to Do About It
5 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Periodontal disease.
Hill A.Scaling and root planing (procedure, effects, costs & FAQs).
American Academy of Periodontology.Gum disease and other diseases.
American Dental Association.Scaling and root planing for gum disease. Mouthhealthy.
Centers for Disease Control.Periodontal disease.Hill A.Scaling and root planing (procedure, effects, costs & FAQs). NewMouth.
Centers for Disease Control.Periodontal disease.
Hill A.Scaling and root planing (procedure, effects, costs & FAQs). NewMouth.
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