Scaling and Root Planing :-

Scaling and root planning is a periodontal therapy whose aim is to eliminate etiologic agents which cause swelling to the gingival (gum) tissue and the neighboring bone. Dental plaque and tartar (calculus) are the common etiologic agents that are eradicated by this conventional therapy.

These procedures are non-surgical and totally cleanse the periodontium. They usually work well for patients suffering from mild gum infection (gingivitis) plus moderate or severe periodontal ailment.

Why Is Scaling And Root Planing Necessary?

The scaling and root planing procedure can be used as a deterrent measure and a separate therapy. They are carried out as a preventive measure for a periodontitis patient.

The following are some of the reasons that would necessitate these dental procedures:

1. Prevention of disease – The periodontal infections-causing oral bacteria can spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream. In fact, studies have indicated that lung infection and heart disorder have been associated with periodontal bacteria. Periodontal disease is stopped from progressing since scaling and root planing prevents the bacteria from moving to the rest of the body.

1. Tooth protection – Usually, there is a greater risk of development of periodontal disease once the gum pockets go beyond 3mm in depth. And the more the pockets deepen, the more they are prone to housing more colonies of harmful bacteria.  A persistent response by the body starts to destroy gingival and bone tissue, and this may result into tooth loss.  Statistics show that periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in the developed countries.

• Improved breath – Bad breath, which is medically referred to as halitosis is one of the commonest signs of periodontal disease. Food particles and bacteria can trigger off chronic bad odor in the oral cavity. This condition can be relieved with cleaning techniques, for instance scaling and root planing.

1. Aesthetic effects – These procedures help to eliminate plaque and tartar from the teeth and under the gumline. During scaling and root planing, if there are any superficial stains on the teeth, they will be eradicated in the course of the process.

What Scaling and Root Planing Treatments Involve

These treatments are not performed until a thorough examination of the mouth has been done.  Before he recommends or begins these procedures, the dentist will first take X-rays, carry out visual examinations and make a diagnosis.

1. Local anesthetics may be used based on the present condition of the gums, the quantity of existing calculus (tartar), the pockets’ depth, and the development of the periodontitis
2. Scaling is normally done with special dental gadgets, which may include an ultrasonic scaling device. The scaling gadget eliminates calculus and plaque from the crown and root surfaces. In many cases, dentists include an irrigation process that may as well be used to convey an antimicrobial agent beneath the gums which can be helpful in reducing oral bacteria.

• Root Planing – This technique is a specific therapy aimed at removing undesirable microorganisms, toxins and calculus from the cementum and surface dentin of the root. The tooth’s root is literally smoothed so as to encourage proper healing.  A root surface that is clean and smooth is helpful in stopping bacteria from easily inhabiting there in future.

After the Procedures Are Done

The gum pockets can be treated with antibiotics. This will not only ease irritation but also help the gum tissues to heal faster.If you have any dental concerns or need more information, please don’t hesitate to call Dental Care of Bryans Road.  Dr. Akash Agarwal will be happy to help you.