Scaling and root planing are otherwise known as deep cleaning in dentistry. The procedure gets rid of tartar (hardened minerals) that can adhere to your teeth. You may need these treatments if you have periodontitis (advanced gum disease).
Deep cleaning is also known as scaling and root planning. Removing plaque and tarter from the teeth's surface and gum pockets is known as scaling, while root planning involves removing plaque and tarter from the surface of the roots.
What is Periodontal Scaling and Root Planing? In the dental world, deep cleaning is also known as Scaling and Root planning. Scaling is the process of removing dental tartar from the surfaces of the teeth. Root planing is the process of smoothing the root surfaces and removing any infected tooth structure.
A deep cleaning is otherwise called scaling or root planing. Unlike regular teeth cleanings, this kind of cleaning goes under the gum line. It removes bacteria, tartar, and other debris that built up under it. This kind of build-up is something regular teeth cleanings cannot always address.
The three stages of gum disease are gingivitis, periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis. Gingivitis can usually be treated without a deep clean but periodontitis and advanced periodontitis will require deep teeth cleaning.
What Is Periodontal Cleaning vs Deep Cleaning? Essentially, periodontal cleaning is synonymous with deep cleaning. While a regular cleaning procedure removes tartar and buildup from the surfaces of the teeth, a deep cleaning is done below the gumline. This is why it's also referred to as a periodontal cleaning.
Those who do not follow proper dental care are especially prone to periodontal disease or gum disease. In the early stages, gum disease can be successfully reversed with professional deep cleaning treatments.
After scaling and root planing is completed, you may experience slight discomfort around the teeth for several days and increased sensitivity to hot and cold (and sometimes sweets) for up to four to six weeks duration. This is a normal course of healing.
While any gum loss experienced due to gum disease will not grow back, the majority of patients can expect their gums to reattach after undergoing a deep cleaning. This is because all of the harmful bacteria has been removed, allowing the gums to once again be healthy.
Avoid any chewing until the numbness has completely worn off. Wait at least two hours before eating, and then select a soft diet for the first 48-72 hours, chewing on the opposite side of your mouth. Avoid alcoholic drinks and hot or spicy foods until your gums are healed.
Once your periodontal treatment has been completed, your dentist and dental hygienist will recommend that you have regular maintenance cleanings (periodontal cleanings), usually four times a year. At these cleaning appointments, the pocket depths will be carefully checked to ensure that they are healthy.
It is a therapy that is sometimes only needed once in a lifetime or every few years depending on your initial level of infection and various risk factors. The periodontal maintenance cleaning is part of the soft tissue management program prescribed 3-4 times a year after scaling & root planing is completed.
The short answer is no, the procedure is not painful. You will experience discomfort upon completion but the actual process can be completed with the administration of a local anesthetic to the soft tissue to minimize any unpleasant feelings during the process.
The disadvantages of deep cleaning teeth include nerve damage and potential infections if you have a compromised immune system. The cleaning might cause pain, and sensitivity in the treatment doesn't guarantee reattachment of your gums to the teeth. The cleaning might even cause further gum recession.
Deep cleaning is not necessary for every patient. However, for patients with gingivitis (the first stage of gum disease) or a more serious case of gum disease, deep cleaning may be required to prevent tooth loss and stop further damage.
If you have been diagnosed with periodontal disease, and suffer from bone loss, inflammation, and/or tartar has accumulated beneath the gumline, then the hygienist will need to clean 'deeper' below the gumline, and this is often known as a dental deep cleaning.
Some patients may notice that their gum recession has not improved after treatment. In fact, once the swelling associated with gum disease goes away, the gums could appear to be receding even more than before the deep cleaning. This is normal for some people.
On average, it takes about 5 – 7 days for your gums to heal after deep cleaning. During this period, it's possible to experience minor gum soreness, swelling, and tooth sensitivity.
Scaling and root planing generally happen in two appointments. The dentist will clean one half of the mouth in the first appointment and the other half in the second. Depending on the amount of plaque that needs to be removed, an appointment can take up to several hours.
Things to Avoid after Deep Cleaning
Refrain from eating sharp, crunchy, and challenging foods on the day of the procedure. For 48 hours after the procedure, refrain from having hot beverages. Do not rinse your mouth for two days after the procedure.
Myth #3: My Teeth Feel Damaged After a Cleaning
If the dental hygienist had to scrape very hard to remove all of the plaque, it could leave the teeth and gums feeling sensitive. This might be especially noticeable the first time a person eats afterward. This is normal and shouldn't last more than an hour or so.
Deep cleaning is a common dental procedure that will not cause your teeth to become loose and certainly won't lead to them falling out. On the contrary, a deep cleaning is instrumental in stopping the progression of gum disease and restoring your gums to health.
Does a deep cleaning hurt? Since deep cleanings are more thorough, and go further below the gumline than regular cleanings, they can potentially cause some discomfort or pain. To ensure your comfort during your deep cleaning, your dentist will numb the treatment site before beginning.
Deep cleaning can help reverse gum disease. It is important to visit your dentist regularly to prevent gum disease. If you adhere to a routine exam schedule, your dentist can also catch gum disease in its early stages. Your dentist may recommend a deep cleaning once you get a proper diagnosis.