Deep teeth cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing, is something you’ve probably heard of if you’ve recently seen the dentist.
Plaque, tartar, and bacteria that have built up over time on your teeth can be removed with the help of specialised instruments.
It may look like a regular dental cleaning, but this approach has some additional benefits that can help you keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Continue reading to find out more about scaling and root planing effectiveness for your teeth, as well as why it is essential to have your teeth professionally cleaned on a regular basis.
What Is Scaling and Root Planing?
Periodontal scaling and root planing are common initial procedures for dentists to employ when treating gum disease. Non-invasive periodontal care includes scrubbing and root planing.
They involve a more thorough cleaning using handheld equipment or ultrasonic cleaners.
The scaling and root planing effectiveness using ultrasonic equipment are comparable to deep cleaning with handheld instruments, according to the research.
Significant clinical results can be achieved with either method, but ultrasonic cleaning can be completed in 20-50% less time than hand cleaning.
When Should Root Planing And Scaling Be Performed?
SRP may be suggested when a periodontal examination or gum disease screening finds signs of gum infection and mild bone loss in the jaw.
Our staff will take X-rays to assess the amount of bone around the teeth and measure the distance between the teeth and gums to determine if periodontal disease is present.
Although a periodontal exam is required to provide a definitive diagnosis of gum disease, several symptoms may point to its presence.
- Lack of freshness in the mouth or foul breath
- Red, bleeding gums during brushing or flossing
- Sore, swollen, or red gums
- A thinning of the gums
- Loose teeth or teeth that move around
- Inflammation of the gums and teeth accompanied by pus
- Periodontal pockets more than 3mm in depth
- Loss of jawbone tissue detected on x-rays near teeth
How Long Does It Take To Scale And Root Plan?
Depending on the severity of the problem, scaling and root planing can be finished in as few as one visit or as many as four.
By focusing on one quadrant of the mouth at a time, we may more efficiently remove plaque and tartar deposits below the gumline and clear out periodontal pockets.
In order to provide each patient with the individualized attention they deserve, Dental Express Clairemont tailors the timing of their SRP treatments to their specific requirements.
How Do You Evaluate The Success Of Scaling And Root Planing?
Perioscopy is a cutting-edge tool that our team frequently use during scaling and root planing procedures.
Magnification and illumination provided by this instrument bring into focus the various surfaces of the teeth for examination. The scaling and root planing effectiveness can be greatly improved with the use of perioscopy.
Our staff at the Dental Express will schedule a follow-up appointment to assess how well the SRP worked once all parts of the mouth have been treated.
This method of treating gum disease without surgery aims to stop the spread of infection, mend infected gum tissues, and shrink periodontal pockets.
If these objectives are satisfied and periodontal health is preserved, then scaling and root planing is frequently considered successful.
Regular periodontal checkups can reduce the likelihood of future disease flare-ups and slow the progression of periodontal disease.
What to Anticipate From the Procedure
In a dental chair, the patient will be requested to lie on their back. A local anaesthetic could be used to numb the gums and teeth. Tartar (calculus) will be scraped off the teeth and below the gumline using an instrument called a scaler.
The bacteria will also be removed by cleaning (planing) the roots of the teeth. Depending on how many teeth need to be treated, the process could take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. A local anaesthetic can help keep patients as comfortable as possible during the treatment.
Importance of Regular Dental Procedures and How They Can Benefit You
Understanding the progression of gum disease is crucial to grasping the scaling and root planing effectiveness. Infected gums and bone can lead to tooth loss due to gum disease.
The process begins when plaque turns into tartar and embeds itself in the gums. This irritates the soft tissues and provides an ideal environment for infection to establish in.
Plaque bacteria and food particles stuck between teeth can rapidly cause an infection. Early signs of gum disease (gingivitis) can be missed, but untreated gum disease eventually leads to gum recession and tooth loss.
If your gums have become unhealthy, periodontal therapy may be the answer. In many cases, the first line of defence is a thorough scaling and root planing.
Plaque and tartar are removed from below the gum line, on the tooth, and around the root using an ultrasonic cleaning device during this deep cleaning treatment.
Finally, the root and tooth surface are planed to remove any remaining roughness. The tooth’s clean, healthy surface encourages the gums to repair and rejoin the tooth.