WHAT IS SCALE & ROOT PLANING?
Scaling your teeth and deeper root planing is the procedure of scraping the plaque and tartar from your teeth. Why must that be done? Let’s break down what plaque is, the negative effects of plaque, how scaling and root planing are necessary to remove damaging plaque and the benefits of having such a procedure done.
What is plaque and why is it so harmful?
Each and every day we have millions of bacteria in our mouth. It’s simply nature and how our system works. The health industry begs you to brush your teeth twice a day slowly and to floss at least once a day to keep the bacteria numbers down. If you do not brush the numbers can jump ten-fold. With this much bacteria, a sticky substance immediately forms on your teeth called plaque. The plaque is full of damaging bacteria. This plaque causes cavities as the acid attacks the hard enamel surface. As the plaque develops down the tooth and comes in contact with the soft tissue of the gums it will immediately result in gum disease. As the gum disease increases it has many adverse effects. In fact, because gum disease is so sneaky and has multiple levels of damage recent estimates have 47% of American adults having some level of gum disease. That is 65 million people.
The Scaling and Root Planing Process
When you have your teeth professionally cleaned at the dental office they use a manual scaling tool to scrape the plaque and tartar from your teeth. If you exercise good home health care this process is much easier for the hygienist and your teeth and gums are healthier. If scaling and root planing is necessary that same scaling tool just goes below the gum line to scrape off the damaging plaque. Root planing will go even deeper. Some offices may use an ultrasonic instrument to chip away at stubborn tartar. The vibrating metal tip combines with a cool water spray to both remove and flush out the tartar. You may need a local anesthetic to numb your gums through either method to minimize any immediate discomfort.
The Benefits of having Scaling and Root Planing done
Once the plaque and tartar have been removed from the teeth below the gum line your gums may be tender for a few days. If you have had gum disease that will immediately begin to subside with the lack of bacteria available to irritate the tissue. Your mouth, teeth, gums and smile, will be healthy again.
Preventive Maintenance
It is up to you to stay in a proactive mode. Visit your dentist twice a year for an oral exam and a professional cleaning. If you create this good habit on top of your regular quality brushing and flossing at home you can eliminate ever having to scale or root plane again. There may be times when your body is in imbalance and you can’t control this, but it is the exception to the rule. Brush twice a day and enjoy your healthy smile.
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