What To Know About Scaling And Root Planing
Posted on: 29 January 2022
Have you gone many years since your last dental cleaning, and now you want to visit a dentist and deal with the years of oral health neglect? If so, know that you may need more than simple teeth cleaning. Scaling and root planing is a more advanced form of cleaning that is designed to help get your teeth healthy again. Here is what you need to know about this cleaning procedure.
Why Is Scaling And Root Planing Necessary?
Your dentist will recommend scaling and root planing if you have an excessive amount of plaque that has built up around your teeth beneath the gum line. That tartar is essentially hardened plaque, and it will not go away with brushing and flossing. When the tartar is left alone under the gum line, it will eventually lead to bleeding, inflammation, and even receding gums and bone tissue. As you can imagine, this is not good for the health of your teeth.
How Is Scaling And Root Planing Done?
Your dentist will likely use a combination of hand scaling and ultrasonic scaling equipment. What makes an ultrasonic scaler unique for scaling and root planing is that it actually uses sound waves to vibrate your teeth, which assists in the removal of that hardened plaque. The vibrations can also make it gentler to work on your teeth, rather than using a sharp hand scaler.
Will Scaling And Root Planing Be Done In A Single Day?
Be aware that scaling and root planing can take some time, which depends on the condition of your teeth. Some people may have to come back on a second day to have the procedure done on all of their teeth. Not only does it take a lot of time to do a deep cleaning of your teeth, but you'll appreciate the break by not having it all done in a single day.
Will Your Mouth Be Numbed For Scaling And Root Planing?
It is common for dentists to use an anesthesia injection to help reduce the pain that you will feel during scaling and root planing. This is typically done using Novocaine due to how easy it is to only numb the parts of the mouth that are being worked on.
Can You Use Dental Sedation For Scaling And Root Planing?
If you have difficulty going to the dentist because of nervousness or anxiety, it is possible to use dental sedation to help get you through it. Find a dentist like Midtown Family Dentistry in your area to discuss your options.
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