Root Planing and Scaling: Deep Cleaning Treatment

When patients come to see Dr. Jean Barthman in Redwood City, they can expect excellent care and a commitment to patient information and empowerment. Her practice uses the latest general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry treatments that improve dental health and enhances smiles. The state-of-the-art care is built on a foundation of the basics, and one of the more important procedures performed to address dental health needs is root planing and scaling, a topic we'd like to cover in more detail right now.

What is root planing and scaling?

Also known as deep cleaning, root planing and scaling refers to the use of special scraping and picking tools to carefully clean the tooth structure down at the gumline. This allows dentists to remove any deposits of plaque and tartar that can potentially cause tooth decay or gum disease.

Root planing and root scaling are usually thought of as synonymous, but they are actually two different kinds of processes in the deep cleaning treatment.

• Root Scaling - Root scaling refers to the scraping away of plaque and tartar at the gumline
• Root Planing - Root planing refers to the removal of decayed tooth structure at the gumline and the smoothing down of the remaining, healthy tooth structure

How does root planing and scaling differ from a regular dental cleaning?

A regular dental cleaning involves the use of an electric brush and regular floss to give your teeth a thorough polish and to remove food particles between the teeth in the process. This routine cleaning may involve some scraping, but not at the same level as a deep cleaning treatment would.

Ideal Candidates for Root Planing and Scaling

The best candidates for root planing and scaling are people who may have issues with plaque and tartar that have gone untreated for many years. The treatment is both preventative for advanced tooth decay and gum disease and is also a good method of treating minor gum disease down at the root level.

The Root Planing and Scaling Process

Patients are given local anesthetic for the root planing and scaling process in order to prevent undue pain and discomfort. Only one-half or one-quarter of a patient's mouth will be treated during a root planing or scaling treatment for time and convenience; another visit will be required for additional treatment.

During the treatment process, the dentist and the hygienist will work carefully and thoroughly in the removal of plaque and tartar, scraping and smoothing down tooth structure deliberately.

What to Expect After a Deep Cleaning Treatment

After the treatment, patients should brush and floss that night delicately since their gums may feel tender and a bit raw. Patients are asked to avoid hot and cold foods/beverages as these may trigger discomfort and sensitivity. Apart from this, there is no interruption or change to a patient's daily life.

Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Jean Barthman

For more information about root planing and scaling as well as your many other options for enhancing your dental health and wellness, be sure to contact our cosmetic and restorative dental care center today. Dr. Barthman and the entire team at the practice look forward to your visit and helping you achieve the healthiest and most beautiful smile possible.