If you schedule cleanings every six months and maintain at-home oral hygiene, your gums will likely remain healthy, pink and painless. In the event that you begin to show signs of progressive gum disease (periodontitis), you may require a deeper cleaning known as scaling and root planing that is shown to be effective at slowing down the disease progression.
Who Needs Scaling and Root Planing?
When gum tissue is healthy, it should be tightly attached to the teeth with a small, 2-3 millimeter, pocket at the gumline. If periodontitis has set in, that pocket begins to grow deeper and can even put teeth at risk of loosening and falling out altogether. Unfortunately, once gum disease has progressed beyond gingivitis and into periodontitis, it cannot be entirely reversed. But if caught and treated early, it can be mitigated. Scaling and root planing is one treatment option for those with periodontitis.
What is Scaling and Root Planing?
Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical treatment option well-known in the dental realm as the “gold-standard” of treatment for patients with chronic periodontitis. The aim of this deep cleaning is to remove harmful bacterial build-up and create an environment where the gums can heal.
Scaling is the process of removing all plaque, bacterial toxins and tartar deposits from your teeth and root surfaces.
Root planing involves smoothing down the surfaces of affected teeth under the gumline. Smooth root surfaces make it harder for plaque, bacterial toxins and tartar to re-adhere to the teeth. It also allows for the gums to heal and potentially reattach themselves.
Scaling and Root Planing Effectiveness
Scaling and root planing is a procedure that requires detail. If all plaque and harmful bacteria are not removed, the infection will simply return and continue to decay the gum tissue and tooth structure. The effectiveness of scaling and root planing depends upon factors such as:
- The progression of the disease at the time of intervention;
- Patient compliance with oral hygiene and treatment schedules;
- Depth of periodontal pockets; and
- The unique shape and grooves in the roots of teeth, which may limit the visibility of underlying deep calculus and debris.
How Often Do You Need Scaling and Root Planing?
The frequency of receiving a scaling and root planing treatment will depend on the condition of the gums. For individuals with a healthy oral cavity, we recommend routine teeth cleanings twice a year. For those with advanced periodontitis, you may need to receive a deep cleaning twice a year or more, along with routine professional cleanings. Good at-home oral care will keep these visits to a minimum. Ultimately, your dentist will advise you on how frequently you should be seen for a scaling and root planing treatment.
Your Dentist in Flagstaff
In addition to brushing and flossing regularly, you should see your local dentist in Flagstaff every six months for professional dental cleanings, along with an annual exam. These visits can help address any potential concerns and keep your dental health on the right track, leaving you with a healthy smile. If you’re looking for a dentist in Flagstaff, come in and see Dr. Paul Whitney and the rest of our team at Country Club Dental! We are passionate about keeping smiles bright and healthy—and our Dental Savings Club can make visiting the dentist affordable for the whole family.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (12/2/24). Photo by Kari Bjorn Photography on Unsplash
