Scaling & Root Planing Procedure and After-Care Instructions

Scaling & Root Planing Procedure and After-Care Instructions

Sep 24, 2021

Gum disease is a rather common dental problem affecting millions of individuals globally. Poor dental hygiene is one of the key causes of gum disease and other dental issues such as cavities. When eating, food particles and other debris can get trapped between the teeth, especially the back teeth.

If thorough brushing and flossing aren’t done, these particles can hide between teeth and the gums. Continued buildup of these food particles and debris hardens to form plaque. If plaque is left to build up along the gum line, it can irritate the gums, cause infections and gum disease. If not eliminated, the plaque can encourage bacteria growth and increase the risk of developing cavities and gum disease. To prevent this, your dentist can recommend undergoing dental scaling and root planing.

What is Scaling and Root Planing?

Dental scaling and root planing is a standard procedure that seeks to remove plaque from the teeth and gums. Unlike the regular dental cleanings that focus on cleaning the tooth’s surface, scaling and root planing offer a much deeper cleaning along and under the gums. Scaling removes the buildup along the gum line while root planing targets the tooth’s roots.

Is Scaling and Root planing Necessary?

For individuals at high risk of plaque buildup or gum disease, scaling and planing are necessary. If plaque is not eliminated, it hardens into tartar. Tartar is more challenging to remove and can only be removed with specialized dental hygiene tools. If tartar isn’t eliminated sooner, it gets trapped between the teeth and the gum line, causing inflammation of the gum tissues. Gradually, it leads to periodontal disease.

Consequently, the gums that hold the teeth begin to loosen, forming pockets. With these pockets, it’s easier for debris and bacteria to get trapped on the inside, leading to infections. If left untreated, periodontitis leads to bone loss, tooth loss, and other dental problems.

A deep cleaning helps to get rid of the plaque, tartar, and bacteria on the roots and below the gum line, allowing the gum tissue to adhere to the teeth normally. If you’re considering scaling and root planing, visit a dental office near you for an examination and advice. For more information, contact Claremont Dental Group.

Possible Side Effects

Immediately after the procedure, it’s normal to experience some side effects, including:

  • Pain and Discomfort

Pain and discomfort are normal after scaling and root planing. Fortunately, these side effects only last for a few days and are more notable once the anesthetic wears off. Headaches and throbbing sensations in the tooth’s roots, particularly when chewing.

  • Tooth Sensitivity

Immediately after deep cleaning, your teeth are likely to be sensitive to temperature changes. Fortunately, it goes away after a few days.

  • Bleeding

Light bleeding is one of the most common side effects of scaling and root planing. It’s more notable during brushing.

  • Redness and Swelling

During the cleaning, the gums are disturbed and can get irritated. It’s, therefore, possible to experience minimal swelling and redness in your gum tissues.

Scaling & Root Planing Care Instructions

After the deep cleaning, proper dental care and hygiene is crucial to promote faster recovery and prevent reinfection. Similarly, as we’ve seen above, you may experience minor side effects after the procedure. To minimize these side effects and promote faster healing, follow these tips:

  • Watch what you eatOne of the critical factors to keep in mind during the recovery period is your diet. For the next few days, avoid food that can irritate or put pressure on the gums. These include chips, nuts, popcorn, granola, meat, and any hard, sticky, spicy, or crunchy food.

Instead, soft eat foods such as soups, ice cream, applesauce, eggs, yogurt, cottage cheese, and vegetables. Make sure you wait for at least 2 hours after the procedure to eat. This allows for the anesthetic to wear off to avoid hurting your mouth when chewing.

  • Avoid tobacco and alcoholic products for at least three days
  • Brush lightly on the first few days.
  • Use the right dental products. Avoid abrasive products as they can irritate the gums.
  • Take the prescribed medication as directed by the dentist
  • Eat healthier and hydrate well
  • Notify your dentist if you experience severe side effects or complications

Schedule an Appointment Today

Scaling and root planing can significantly prevent and manage the harmful effects of gum disease. For more information about scaling & root planing procedures, contact Claremont Dental Group today.

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