How Does Scaling and Root Planing Work?

When it comes to keeping your teeth and gums clean, beautiful, and healthy, regular cleanings are an essential habit. You should clean your teeth every day by brushing them at least twice and flossing at least once. You should also ensure they stay clean by attending regular checkups and cleanings at your dentist’s office. Sometimes, however, keeping your teeth and gums clean requires more than routine attention. For instance, if oral bacteria work their way underneath your gums, then you may need more involved deep cleaning, or scaling and root planing, to safely and effectively clean them away.

How is it different from regular dental cleaning?
At home, brushing and flossing help you keep harmful oral bacteria to a minimum by preventing the buildup of plaque. During routine checkups and cleanings, your dentist and hygienist will help remove tartar (calcified plaque) that your toothbrush and floss cannot remove. The difference with scaling and root planing, however, is that the procedure is designed to clear away bacteria buildup from the surfaces of your teeth roots, underneath your gums. Deep cleaning helps reduce the symptoms of gingivitis that result from excessive bacteria, such as inflammation and gum recession. It can also prevent gingivitis from maturing into more serious gum disease.

Can scaling and root planing prevent gum disease?
Gingivitis is only the first stage of gum disease, and if left untreated, it can quickly grow more severe and erode the tissues that support your teeth. In severe cases, gum disease cannot be cured, though it can be successfully managed with regular care at your dentist’s office. If you notice the signs of gingivitis and seek treatment soon enough, then you may be able to stop it from progressing into fully developed, incurable gum disease.

Find Out if You Need Scaling and Root Planing
If you exhibit signs of gingivitis, or are worried that you might have gum disease, then find out if scaling and root planing can help you protect your smile. To schedule a consultation, call Oxnard Dentistry in Oxnard, CA, today at (805) 604-9999. We also proudly serve patients from in and around Camarillo, Ventura, Thousand Oaks, Moore Park, and all surrounding communities.