Warning: Undefined array key "locations_override" in /home/thesmilespadenti/public_html/wp-content/themes/doctorgenius-framework/header.php on line 4

Warning: Undefined array key "multilocation_contact_form_location_required" in /home/thesmilespadenti/public_html/wp-content/themes/doctorgenius-framework/header.php on line 7

Warning: Undefined array key "company_logo" in /home/thesmilespadenti/public_html/wp-content/themes/doctorgenius-framework/header.php on line 17

Warning: Undefined array key "company_name" in /home/thesmilespadenti/public_html/wp-content/themes/doctorgenius-framework/header.php on line 17

Warning: Undefined array key "locations_override" in /home/thesmilespadenti/public_html/wp-content/themes/doctorgenius-framework/functions.php on line 216
Scaling and Root Planing for Gum Disease
Warning: file_get_contents(): https:// wrapper is disabled in the server configuration by allow_url_fopen=0 in /home/thesmilespadenti/public_html/wp-content/themes/doctorgenius-framework/lib/google-fonts.php on line 20

Warning: file_get_contents(https://thesmilespa.dentistnerds.com/wp-content/themes/doctorgenius-framework/fonts/google-webfonts.json): Failed to open stream: no suitable wrapper could be found in /home/thesmilespadenti/public_html/wp-content/themes/doctorgenius-framework/lib/google-fonts.php on line 20

Scaling and Root Planing for Gum Disease

Scaling and Root Planing for Gum Disease from The Smile Spa in Agoura Hills, CAHealthy oral habits can prevent issues that may lead to infections such as gum disease. This problem, also known as gingivitis, can be common in both children and adults; however, if it is left untreated, it may worsen and cause serious discomfort or cause secondary infections within the body. Oral treatments such as scaling and planing can battle gingivitis, help maintain good oral health and prevent future infection. Patients who plan to undergo these processes may feel greater peace of mind understanding what is involved before arriving for an appointment.

What causes gum disease?

Different types of foods and beverages can cause a bacterial film to build around the gumline where the teeth and gums meet. This is a sticky substance called plaque. If proper, regular brushing and flossing are neglected, the plaque can harden and turn into tartar, which can irritate the gums if it is not removed. This inflammation then causes gingivitis. Those who suffer from this issue may experience several different symptoms:

  • Bleeding gums
  • Gum sensitivity
  • Changes to the gingiva color
  • Receding gums

Teeth scaling and root planing can remove stubborn tartar and prevent further infection to improve a patient’s overall oral health.

How is teeth scaling performed?

Individuals with chronic or moderate gingivitis may have a dentist recommend teeth scaling as a tool for cleaning away hardened tartar at the gumline. This process is usually more involved than a simple cleaning and may take longer. Patients may be informed of additional details at the initial consultation.

During the process, a dentist may apply a local numbing agent to the area to reduce discomfort and then use several different scraping tools to remove stubborn tartar. Special attention may be paid to pockets between the teeth and gums, which can form once gingivitis advances to periodontal disease. When food particles become trapped in these pockets, it can contribute to tartar buildup. Pressurized water and ultrasonic tools may also be employed to remove areas of hardened tartar. Root planing may be performed during the same appointment.

What is root planing?

When gum disease is present, this can cause a tooth’s root to detach from the gums and create gaps that collect bacteria and food particles. These spaces can be difficult to reach with regular brushing or flossing and may eventually result in tooth loss. A dentist can attempt to reverse this process with root planing. During this procedure, plaque and tartar are removed with scraping and smoothing tools, which can prevent further infection. The affected roots are then smoothed out so bacteria can no longer collect, which allows the area to heal.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Gum Disease in Agoura Hills, CA.

What post-care actions are needed?

Because scaling and root planing both involve deep-cleaning processes, patients may experience tenderness or soreness at the treated area. Dentists typically recommend continued regular brushing and flossing to keep the area clean. Post-treatment checkups may be scheduled a few weeks after scaling and planing to ensure periodontal pockets are healing as expected.

Conclusion

Gingivitis can advance into serious gum disease when it goes untreated. Teeth scaling and root smoothing can reverse inflammation, bleeding and the eventual tooth loss that often occurs at the final stages of the disease.

Request an appointment or call The Smile Spa at 818-699-9377 for an appointment in our Agoura Hills office.

Recent Posts


Warning: Undefined array key "bg_color" in /home/thesmilespadenti/public_html/wp-content/themes/doctorgenius-framework/lib/recent-posts.php on line 219

When Is Gum Disease Treatment Necessary?

Gum disease is a serious condition that can result in a need for periodontal treatment. Treatment is needed in order to destroy the infection and prevent it from getting worse. Oftentimes, without treatment, a case of gum disease can become advanced, which can result in tooth loss, receding gums, and even jaw deterioration, all of…


Warning: Undefined array key "bg_color" in /home/thesmilespadenti/public_html/wp-content/themes/doctorgenius-framework/lib/recent-posts.php on line 219

How Oral Hygiene Basics Can Help Prevent Cavities

The oral hygiene basics that you need to practice to keep your teeth looking clean and your breath fresh will also protect your teeth from cavities. Good cleaning habits and consistency about your oral care regimen can spare teeth from the damage and decay that causes cavities to form. Here are a few key practices…


Warning: Undefined array key "bg_color" in /home/thesmilespadenti/public_html/wp-content/themes/doctorgenius-framework/lib/recent-posts.php on line 219

Oral Hygiene Basics: Is Mouthwash Good For Your Teeth?

Brushing and flossing your teeth daily are oral hygiene basics, but what about using mouthwash? Is it an essential part of keeping your teeth healthy.Except for fluoride rinses, mouthwashes are generally not part of the daily oral care routine recommended by dentists, but that does not mean it has no value. Using mouthwash correctly can…

Recent Posts

How Oral Hygiene Basics Can Help Prevent Cavities

How Oral Hygiene Basics Can Help Prevent Cavities

The oral hygiene basics that you need to practice to keep your teeth looking clean and your breath fresh will also protect your teeth from cavities. Good cleaning habits and consistency about your oral care regimen can spare teeth from the damage and decay that causes cavities to form. Here are a few key practices…

Oral Hygiene Basics: Is Mouthwash Good For Your Teeth?

Oral Hygiene Basics: Is Mouthwash Good For Your Teeth?

Brushing and flossing your teeth daily are oral hygiene basics, but what about using mouthwash? Is it an essential part of keeping your teeth healthy.Except for fluoride rinses, mouthwashes are generally not part of the daily oral care routine recommended by dentists, but that does not mean it has no value. Using mouthwash correctly can…


Warning: Undefined array key "locations_override" in /home/thesmilespadenti/public_html/wp-content/themes/agourahillscosmeticdentists-dg13939-child-theme/footer.php on line 36

Warning: Undefined array key "locations_override" in /home/thesmilespadenti/public_html/wp-content/themes/agourahillscosmeticdentists-dg13939-child-theme/footer.php on line 46

Warning: Undefined array key "locations_override" in /home/thesmilespadenti/public_html/wp-content/themes/agourahillscosmeticdentists-dg13939-child-theme/footer.php on line 61

Warning: Undefined array key "company_name" in /home/thesmilespadenti/public_html/wp-content/themes/doctorgenius-framework/lib/easy-client-info.php on line 85

Warning: Undefined array key "locations_override" in /home/thesmilespadenti/public_html/wp-content/themes/agourahillscosmeticdentists-dg13939-child-theme/footer.php on line 71

Warning: Undefined array key "locations_override" in /home/thesmilespadenti/public_html/wp-content/themes/agourahillscosmeticdentists-dg13939-child-theme/footer.php on line 92
Get Directions

Warning: Undefined array key "locations_override" in /home/thesmilespadenti/public_html/wp-content/themes/agourahillscosmeticdentists-dg13939-child-theme/footer.php on line 137
Request Appointment
Contact Us

Consumer information is not shared with third parties for marketing purposes.