SCALE & ROOT PLANING AFTERCARE
Even though the amount of winston salem scaling and root planing that was done will have an obvious impact on the recovery time, there will be some foundational issues that will hold whether it is one tooth or your entire mouth. Let’s revisit why the procedure had to be done in the first place to keep the aftercare relative to the gum disease you had prior to your scale and root planing procedure.
Why is it Necessary to have a Scale and Root Planing Procedure?
It has been determined that 47% of the American adults today have some level or form of gum disease. Our society is rushing from point A to point B and we do not give enough time to the care of our teeth and gums. Therefore, plaque and tartar are allowed to build up on the teeth creating cavities, and when it gets below the gum line, it results in gum disease. The plaque carries bacteria which causes the soft tissue to become infected. The best way to get rid of gum disease is to get rid of the source of the problem.
The Steps of the Scale and Root Planing Procedure
A quick examination and your dentist can determine whether you have a buildup of plaque. It is even easier to diagnose gum disease. The color of the tissue intensifies, the gums start to swell and sag away from the teeth. If left unattended it will result in lost teeth, lost bone density in the jawbone and it even has been linked to cardiac problems. The procedure starts with an x-ray and then a professional teeth cleaning in the office. From there an anesthetic will be administered to the area involved. Once the tissue is numb the teeth are scraped with a manual scaler. Traveling down the tooth, sometimes down to the root, the process removes the plaque and makes the surface of the tooth smooth again.
What to expect during the Recovery
Depending on the extent of scaling, you can expect some discomfort or even mild pain for a day or two. An over the counter pain medication will mitigate any throbbing or aching. Your teeth might be sensitive to temperature change for few days as well. If your gum disease was more advanced you might experience some bleeding of the gums, especially when you brush. You will want to consider a soft diet staying away from chewing hard foods. You may also want to introduce a mouth rinse, one that is either antimicrobial or a warm saline solution.
The Benefits of the Procedure
The health industry strongly encourages us to brush our teeth twice a day for at least two minutes slowly. This simple oral hygiene task will cut the bacteria in your mouth dramatically and reduce the buildup of plaque. Flossing between your teeth is wise as well to get the areas the brush can’t reach. Also, introducing the good habit of seeing your dentist twice a year keeps you in the proactive mode so as to avoid having scaling and root planing done more than once. Slow down and take care of yourself.
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