When is Scaling and Root Planing Necessary?

Good oral care begins at home, with daily brushing, flossing, rinsing, and healthy eating. You also need routine dental cleanings to remove plaque buildup that brushing misses. If you’re lax with your dental visits, plaque and tartar can accumulate beneath the gum line, causing your gums to become infected and bleed. At this stage, you’ll need scaling and root planing to combat the symptoms of gum disease. You can contact Dr. Doreen Wilson from Covington Family Dentistry in Covington, Georgia, for scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) treatment.

Scaling and Root Planing: Understanding the Need 

Scaling and root planing is a comprehensive dental cleaning used to treat early signs of gum disease. Using special dental tools, Dr. Wilson will scale your teeth to get rid of all plaque and tartar buildup, particularly below the gum line where bacteria can cause extensive damage to your gums and teeth. Root planing smooths out the root surfaces of your teeth to keep plaque from gathering there again. Scaling and root planing treatment helps curtail gum disease symptoms to prevent permanent tooth damage and keep your condition from becoming worse. 

Deep cleaning may be necessary if you’re experiencing any of the following gum disease symptoms:

1. Bleeding gums

If your gums bleed when you brush or floss your teeth, that’s an indication of plaque buildup beneath the gum line of your teeth. Minimal bleeding means that only a small amount of bacteria has gathered under your gums. A lot of bleeding means large deposits of plaque and bacteria are brewing in this area. By acting quickly, Dr. Wilson can completely eliminate plaque and tartar buildup before it causes extensive damage to your gums or teeth.

2. Deep pockets

Periodontal pockets are spaces between your gums and teeth where bacteria can breed and eat away at the bone structure of your teeth. During a routine checkup, Dr. Wilson will measure the depth of these pockets to determine if deep cleaning is needed. Generally, scaling and root planing are recommended if the pocket is over five millimeters deep.

3. Gum inflammation 

Gum redness and inflammation are additional signs of gum disease. Your gums can become swollen, painful, and tender. Through deep cleaning, Dr. Wilson can flush out the infection to minimize swelling and protect your gum tissues from permanent damage.

4. Gum recession and bone loss

In its advanced stage, periodontal disease will cause your gums to recede or pull away from your teeth. You’ll notice the gum pockets or spaces widening due to bacterial buildup and your gum line shrinking. Over time, you may experience bone loss which weakens your teeth, causing them to become loose and eventually fall out. Regular dental checkups will alert Dr. Wilson and our team of periodontal infections that require immediate treatment, starting with deep cleaning. 

Scaling and Root Planing Periodontal Disease Treatment Near Me

To schedule a consultation for deep cleaning treatment, contact Dr. Doreen Wilson from Covington Family Dentistry in Covington, GA, at (770) 787-2230.

Share this Article