Scaling & Root Planing

Scaling & Root Planing in Whitby, ON

Scaling and root planing are non-invasive periodontal therapies usually performed as first-line treatments for gum disease—a severe inflammation or infection of the gum tissue.

Subject to the severity of the gum disease, scaling and root planing in Whitby, ON, may be sufficient in eliminating the condition. Alternatively, scaling and root planing may be used to complement other gum disease treatments.

If you’re experiencing symptoms consistent with periodontal disease, please reach out to DSV Dental Brooklin Village for a comprehensive consultation.

Causes and Symptoms of Gum Disease

Gum disease occurs when plaque attacks the gum tissue, resulting in inflammation which eventually develops into a severe infection. Plaque is the sticky material formed when bacteria break down sugars in the oral cavity. Harmful oral bacteria thrive in the absence of proper dental hygiene. As a result, plaque accumulates in the mouth leading to gingivitis which eventually escalates to gum disease.

Besides poor dental hygiene, other factors can increase your susceptibility to periodontal disease. They include age, excessive smoking, certain medications, systemic conditions such as diabetes, poor nutrition and tooth grinding.

Common periodontal disease symptoms include bad breath, bleeding gums, loose teeth, receding gums, swollen or tender gums and difficulty or pain when chewing.

What Happens During Scaling and Root Planing?

Dr. Sohela Vaid determines your suitability for scaling and root planing after carefully examining you to check for symptoms.

Scaling and root planing are collectively known as deep cleaning. The dentist or dental hygienist uses a dental scaler to scrape off plaque and tartar deposits from your teeth and surrounding regions to perform a scaling procedure. Our dentist in Whitby, ON, may use local anesthesia to lessen your discomfort.

After eliminating all harmful plaque and tartar deposits from below and above the gum line, the dentist moves to the next step of smoothing the tooth roots (root planing).

Smoothing the roots makes it harder for bacteria to adhere to the teeth. Smoother roots also allow the gum tissue to re-attach easily to the teeth, thus hindering the formation of periodontal pockets. Periodontal pockets are the spaces that develop between the teeth and gums.

To wind up the scaling and root planing procedures, the dentist may place locally delivered antibiotics in the periodontal pockets. These medications target any microbes that may linger in the periodontal pockets.

How Many Treatment Sessions Do You Need?

As every patient is unique, the number of deep cleaning sessions required varies accordingly. In many cases, the dentist opts to clean a quadrant of your mouth at a time, which necessitates multiple dental visits.

If scaling and root planing near you fail to deliver intended results, Dr. Vaid may recommend additional periodontal treatments, including surgery.

Are you battling gum disease? Please call DSV Dental Brooklin Village to book your scaling and root planing session.

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FAQs

When are scaling and root planing necessary?

Scaling and root planing are deep teeth cleaning treatments recommended when gum disease is present. This combined procedure can prevent damaging effects to the gums and teeth; such as loose teeth and eventual loss of teeth. It can also halt mild cases of gum disease from turning into bone disease. Good gum health is essential to good oral health, which in turn is crucial for good overall health.

How long does it take for gums to heal after root planing?

Within a week, gums will start to heal and the initial discomfort and sensitivity will disappear.

How long after scaling and root planing can I drink?

You can eat or drink after the numbness wears off, which is usually two hours.

Does scaling and root planing hurt?

The procedure will not hurt. Prior to starting the procedure, one of our dentists will gently numb your gums and teeth with anesthetic.

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