Your dentist may recommend a dental procedure called dental scaling if you have a stubborn case of gum disease to keep it from getting worse. Stubborn gum disease, which is also known as Periodontitis, can be treated with non-surgical dental scaling.
This will remove plaque and tarter from your teeth and help your gums regain health. But if you have severe periodontal disease and your condition may require gum surgery, your dentist and periodontist may recommend a scaling and root planning before the surgery.
When is Dental Scaling Necessary:
Sticky and bacteria filled plaque that causes gum disease tents to accumulate in the area along and just below the gum line.
If you have gums that are slightly receded from your teeth, you may be at increased risk for gum disease and your dentist may recommend scaling. Scaling involves cleaning the areas below the gum line.
Dental Scaling and Root Procedure:
Teeth scaling and root planning will cause very little discomfort. Your dentist or hygienist will numb the gums and tooth roots with local anesthesia. Your dentist or dental hygienist will use specialized tools to remove the hardened deposits of plaque buildup (tarter) both above and below the gum root. Root planning involves smoothing rough spots on the roots of the teeth that can promote gum disease by trapping and holding bacteria.
After scaling and planning, you can expect that your gums may be a little tender. Maintaining a consistent oral health routine of twice-daily brushing and daily flossing, your gums should quickly regain a firm, healthy, pink appearance.
Be sure your dental professional knows your total health history before he or she performs a scaling and root planing procedure as the procedure can introduce bacteria into the bloodstream.
Precautions need to be taken for people who are at increased risk of infection, such as those with heart problems, liver disease or a compromised immune system due to illness.