What is scaling and root planing?

Scaling is one of the restorative treatments that a qualified dentist can use to aid healing from gum disease. Gum disease a common condition that can vary in severity from patient to patient. It occurs from when plaque may fester and hardened (turning into hard calculus) around the gum line and the root of the tooth. This is typically brought about by poor hygiene upkeep, so a deep clean is often necessary to heal.

Specifically, scaling allows the dentist to remove the plaque and tartar from under the gum lining, which cannot be reached with your everyday toothbrush. An additional measure, called root planing, can also reach much deep around the tooth root. This may be used depending on how each patients’ circumstances differ. For example, a patient with deeper reach plaque build will probably be advised to have root planing at the same time as scaling.

How do I know if I need dental scaling?

Scaling and root planing may be useful if your gums have become inflamed because of gum disease. Inflamed gums are more likely to allow plaque to build up under the gum lining and around the root of the tooth–which is where scaling and root planing can be used.

By giving the parts of the teeth under the gumline a thorough cleaning, it allows the gum to heal nicely to back to their original state. This cannot be achieved at home, as the practitioner will have the speciality training and the correct equipment to administer the treatment.

Having a deep root planing treatment administer will encourage the gums to regrow back onto the tooth, which is very important for avoiding plaque re-entering the area.

Is scaling painful?

The procedure itself can be slightly invasive, but your dentist will use an anaesthetic agent to numb the area undergoing treatment. This means it isn’t usually painful for the patient. You may still feel movement which can make people feel slightly uncomfortable. If you are experiencing pain during the procedure, you will be advised to make your dentist aware of this immediately.

Dental Scale Aftercare?

Because of treatment being quite invasive on the gums, they may become swollen, feel tender, and bleed after treatment, so pain for a day or two will be expected. This should settle to just sensitivity for around a week.

Medications can also be prescribed if your dentist feels it is necessary (either pills or a mouth rinse). Medicine may also be put into the sockets that have been treated.

A follow-up appointment will be necessary to see how the gums have healed. It is important this is monitored closely in case more treatment is needed.