DEEP SCALING AND ROOT PLANING IN NORTH CAROLINA

Most people are familiar with the concept of getting their teeth cleaned at the dentist. However, there is also a type of cleaning that is done below the gumline, known as scaling and root planing. This procedure is used to treat gum disease, and it involves removing plaque and tartar from the roots of the teeth. In addition, the roots may be smoothed to help prevent further tartar buildup. Scaling and root planing is generally performed by a dental hygienist or periodontist, and it is often done under local anesthesia. The procedure can take up to an hour to complete, and multiple sessions may be necessary depending on the severity of the gum disease.

What is Dental Scaling?

Dental scaling is a process of deep cleaning teeth that removes plaque and tartar buildup. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on teeth, and tartar is plaque that has hardened onto the surface of teeth. Both plaque and tartar can lead to gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath. Dental scaling helps to remove these harmful substances from teeth, providing a thorough clean and a fresh start. The process is usually performed by a dentist or dental hygienist using special instruments. The instruments are used to loosen and remove plaque and tartar from the surface of teeth. Dental scaling is an important part of oral care, and it can help to keep your mouth healthy and your smile looking its best.

What is Root Planing?

Root planing is a common dental procedure that involves removing calculus and cementum from the roots of the teeth. This process is often performed in order to remove tartar buildup or to treat periodontal disease. Root planing can be done using a manual instrument or an ultrasonic scaler. The procedure is generally safe and does not require any anesthesia. However, some people may experience mild discomfort during the treatment. Root planing is typically covered by dental insurance plans.

What is Gigivitis?

Gingivitis is a very common form of gum disease that affects millions of people every year. While it is not as serious as some other forms of gum disease, gingivitis can still lead to tooth loss and other health problems if it is not treated properly.

The first stage of gum disease is gingivitis, which is when the gums become inflamed. Gingivitis occurs when plaque and bacteria build up on the teeth and gums, causing irritation, redness, and swelling.  Fortunately, gingivitis is relatively easy to treat with good oral hygiene habits and regular professional dental cleanings.

If plaque is not removed, it can harden into tartar, which can only be removed by a dental professional. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more serious form of gum disease that can destroy the bone and tissue around the teeth.

What is Periodontitis?

Periodontitis is when the gums pull away from the teeth and form pockets. These pockets collect bacteria and can become infected. If the infection is left untreated, it can damage the bones and tissues that support the teeth, eventually leading to tooth loss. If you have periodontitis, you may require a deeper cleaning known as scaling and root planing.

Periodontal disease is the result of infections and inflammation of the gums and bone that surround and support the teeth. Periodontitis is a big threat to dental health, so it's important to keep an eye on your gums and see a dentist if you notice any changes.

How Do You Know If You Need Scaling or Root Planing?

Good oral hygiene is essential for keeping your mouth healthy. That means brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing daily, and seeing your dentist regularly. These simple steps can help to prevent gum disease by removing plaque before it has a chance to build up. However, even if you brush and floss regularly, you may still develop gum disease. If you notice that your gums are red or swollen, bleed easily, or feel tender when touched, be sure to see your dentist right away. Early treatment is essential for preventing the progression of gum disease. With proper care, you can keep your teeth and gums healthy for life.

We all have plaque. It's not necessarily a bad thing, but it can be if we let it get out of control. Plaque is the sticky film that's on our teeth pretty much all the time. It's made up of saliva, bacteria, and proteins. When we eat, little particles from the food mix in with the plaque and can create buildup on our teeth. This is why it's important to brush and floss regularly, to remove as much of the plaque as possible. If we don't, the bacteria in the plaque can start to cause gum disease and tooth decay. These are serious problems that can have a big impact on our oral health, so it's best to avoid them if we can.

The best way to prevent gum disease is to practice good oral hygiene habits at home and to schedule regular professional cleanings. Most dentists recommend cleaning every six months, although some people may need to come in more frequently if they are at a higher risk for gum disease. During a professional cleaning, your dentist or hygienist will remove plaque and tartar from your teeth, which can help to prevent the progression of gum disease.

If you have healthy gums, then scaling and root planing is not necessary. A cleaning at a regular checkup is not as thorough as a deep cleaning, and it does not target plaque. Controlling plaque is essential in terminating the disease for the time being. The first step in plaque control is to remove it on a daily basis through proper brushing and flossing techniques.

Healthy gums are essential for a healthy mouth. The gum tissue should be tightly attached to the teeth, with a small pocket at the gumline. This pocket helps to protect the roots of the teeth from bacteria. However, if periodontitis sets in, that pocket begins to grow deeper. This can put teeth at risk of loosening and falling out. 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.

If your gum disease has progressed to the point where pockets have formed between your gums and teeth, however, more extensive treatment may be necessary. In this case, scaling and root planing may be recommended.

What is the Deep Scaling Procedure Like?

Before starting any type of dental scaling or root planing, the area around the tooth will be numbed. This is done to make sure the patient is comfortable during the procedure. In most cases, only half or a quarter of the mouth will be cleaned during one appointment. This helps to make sure that the patient does not have to be numbed in multiple areas at once. By numbing the area before starting treatment, it allows the patient to be more relaxed and comfortable during the procedure.

An electric device, known as an ultrasonic scaler, sonic scaler, or power scaler is often used. This device vibrates at a high frequency to help with removing stain, plaque and calculus. In addition, ultrasonic scalers create tiny air bubbles through a process known as cavitation. These bubbles serve an important function for periodontal cleanings. Since the bacteria living in periodontically involved pockets are mainly obligate anaerobes, they cannot survive when oxygen is present.

Depending on the depth of the pocket and the amount of calculus deposit versus soft biofilm deposit, hand instruments or power scalers may be used to complete the fine hand scaling that removes anything the ultrasonic scaler left behind. Power scalers are also effective at removing deposits that have been removed from the tooth or root structure but remain within the periodontal pocket.

What is the Root Planing Procedure Like?

There are four main components to teeth: dentin, cementum, enamel, and dental pulp. Dentin is a hard, yellowish tissue that makes up the majority of each tooth. Cementum is a thin layer of bone-like tissue that covers the root of the tooth. Enamel is the hard, white outer layer that helps to protect the dentin from damage. Finally, dental pulp is the soft tissue inside each tooth that contains blood vessels and nerves. All of these tissues work together to form strong, healthy teeth.

During root planing, the dentist cleans deep below the gums to remove plaque and tartar buildup on the roots of teeth where the bones are affected by the infection. A planer completely removes the cementum, the calcified film covering a tooth’s root. The procedure may also involve the removal of a small superficial layer of dentin, which is the second layer of a tooth located below the enamel.

After a deep cleaning, your dentist will flush the area to remove any remaining bacteria and debris. They may also use a water pick to help clean out the area. Next, they will apply pressure to the gums to help promote proper healing. They may also place a gauze pad over the area to help control bleeding. Finally, they will give you instructions on how to care for the area at home. It is important to follow these instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and avoid infection.

What Happens After the Procedures Are Completed?

After the procedure is complete, your dentist will want you to come back in a number of weeks for a follow-up appointment. During this appointment, he will re-probe your gums and assess how effective the scaling and root planning was in treating your gum disease. He will also give you tips on how to maintain your improved gum health.

What Do Scaling and Root Planing Cost?

These procedures can cost anywhere from $200 to $350 for each quadrant of your mouth. A range of factors can affect the overall cost of the procedures, including active periodontal therapy, periodontal maintenance following active therapy, technology used in the procedure, the number of professionals involved, your dental insurance, the severity of the gum disease, and additional procedures that must follow.