Scaling and Root Planing

Scaling and Root Planing in Toronto

Gum disease can be serious but scaling and root planning can remedy it. It is one of the ways our team at Water’s Edge supports your oral health. Scaling and root planning, also known as deep teeth cleaning, is high effective and minimally invasive. It is the first line of defense in battling gum disease. We use it to stop gum disease progression.

What is Scaling and Root Planing?

Scaling and root planing is a two-part procedure designed to treat the early to moderate stages of gum disease (periodontitis). Standard teeth cleaning cleans the teeth surface but deep cleaning goes under the gums to remove tartar buildup. It is a two-part process.

Scaling is removing hardened plaque called tarter, calculus, and other plaque from above and below the gum line. The cleaning goes deep to the periodontal pockets.

Root Planing involves smoothing out the tooth roots. This process helps your gums reattach to the teeth. It also makes it difficult for plaque and bacteria to re-enter the area.

Scaling and root planning removes the source of infection and allows gums to heal. It prevents gum disease from progressing.

Why is a Deep Cleaning Necessary?

Deep cleaning helps restore gum health because it allows gums to reattach to teeth. Healthy gums fit snugly around each tooth. Gum disease causes gums to pull away from teeth. This creates spaces, pockets, where bacteria accumulate. Deep cleaning removes bacteria, closes off the pockets and allows gums to reattach to teeth.

Chronic bad breath

Swollen, bleeding, or tender gums

Destruction of jaw bone that supports your teeth

Loose teeth and eventual tooth loss

Scaling and root planing is necessary to remove bacteria buildup and get into these deep pockets. It gives your gums a chance to heal and tighten around teeth again. It is essential in managing gum disease.  

The Benefits of Scaling and Root Planing

This therapeutic procedure has advantages for those fighting periodontitis. It is a proactive therapy that does the following:
Stops Gum Disease Progression

Deep teeth cleaning is highly effective in halting gum disease before it causes bone or teeth damage.

Treats the Infection

Scaling and planning removes the source of infection.

Promotes Gum Reattachment

Root planing creates a clean, smooth surface so gums easily reattach.

Reduces Gum Inflammation

This therapy reduces gum bleeding and swelling.

Improves Breath

Getting rid of bacteria also reduces bad breath. A deep cleaning often resolves chronic bad breath.

Prevents Tooth Loss

This procedure is crucial for saving teeth.

Our Gentle Deep Cleaning Process

Deep teeth cleaning doesn’t need to be painful. We use a gentle process so you are more comfortable.
Examination and Planning

Your treatment begins with one of our dentists examining your mouth and teeth to see how deep the periodontal pockets are. This determines how advanced gum disease is and helps us plan your treatment.

Ensuring Your Comfort

We want you to be comfortable so we administer a local anesthetic that numbs your gums while we do the scaling and root planning. You will not feel anything during the procedure.

The Scaling and Root Planing Procedure

The procedure is can be done in one or two visits but we often divide the procedure to work on one side of the mouth at a time. This often makes it more comfortable for our patients as we don’t need to numb the entire mouth. The dentist or hygienist uses special tool remove plaque and tarter from below the gum line and smooth out the roots.

Follow-Up

We schedule you for a follow-up appointment after the procedure to monitor your healing and gum health. Those with gum issues may need more cleanings a year than the recommended two. We like to schedule them every three to four months for proper maintenance.

Scaling and Root Planing FAQ

Does the procedure hurt?
No, you should not feel any pain during the procedure because we numb the area. Our professionals are trained in using gentle techniques so you are more comfortable. You may have some sensitivity afterwards.
Recovery takes only a few days. You may have some tender gums but can return to normal activities the same day as the procedure. We provide aftercare instructions.
The instructions outline proper care to encourage healing. Some of them include: ·       Avoid hard, crunchy, or spicy foods for a few days. Rinse your mouth gently with a warm salt-water solution to soothe the gums. Continue to brush and floss, but be very gentle around the treated areas. Use any prescribed antimicrobial mouth rinse as directed.
Scaling and root planing is a medically necessary procedure for treating gum disease, and most dental insurance plans provide coverage. We can help you check for specific benefit information.
Untreated periodontitis progresses. Infections cause pain and can destroy bone and teeth. Teeth can loosen and eventually will be lost.

Take Control of Your Gum Health

Gum disease affects many people particularly older adults. We can help you fight it and save your smile. Our team is here to answer questions, help you with insurance, and schedule appointments. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.