Scaling & Root Planing

The Importance of Gum Health

Healthy gums are the foundation for a healthy smile. Gum disease (or periodontal disease) is one of the most common causes of tooth loss in adults. It begins with gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease that causes redness, swelling, and bleeding of the gums. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more severe stage of gum disease that affects the underlying bone structure of the teeth.

Periodontal disease is typically caused by the accumulation of plaque—a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth and gums after eating. If plaque is not removed by regular brushing and flossing, it can harden into tartar (calculus) that only a dental professional can remove. The bacteria in plaque and tartar irritate the gums, causing inflammation and infection, which can eventually lead to gum recession, bone loss, and tooth mobility.

Scaling and root planing are designed to treat gum disease by thoroughly cleaning the teeth below the gum line, where plaque and tartar are difficult to reach with regular brushing and flossing. This procedure can prevent the progression of gum disease, restore gum health, and protect your teeth from further damage.

What is Scaling and Root Planing in Maryville, TN?

Scaling is the process of removing plaque and tartar from the surfaces of your teeth, both above and below the gumline. It involves the use of specialized dental instruments, such as scalers and ultrasonic tools, to gently but thoroughly scrape away the hardened deposits from the teeth. Scaling is essential because tartar cannot be removed by brushing alone—it requires professional cleaning to be fully eliminated.

Root Planing, on the other hand, is a procedure that smooths the root surfaces of your teeth to help the gums reattach more securely. When tartar and plaque accumulate below the gumline, the surfaces of the tooth roots become rough, which makes it difficult for the gums to heal and stay attached. Root planing removes these rough spots, allowing the gums to heal and preventing further bacterial growth. By smoothing the root surfaces, root planing also helps to reduce the chances of bacteria re-adhering to the tooth roots.

Together, scaling and root planing work to eliminate the harmful bacteria, smooth the tooth roots, and promote healing of the gums. This procedure is typically performed when a patient shows signs of moderate to advanced gum disease, such as persistent gum inflammation, bleeding, and pockets between the teeth and gums.

Why Scaling and Root Planing Are Necessary

Gum disease often develops without noticeable symptoms in its early stages, making it difficult for patients to recognize the problem before it escalates. That’s why regular dental checkups are essential for the early detection of gum disease. If your dentist notices signs of gum disease, scaling and root planing may be recommended to treat the infection and prevent further complications.

Scaling and root planing are particularly effective for patients who have moderate to severe gum disease, where the infection has reached the tooth roots and the deeper layers of the gums. Without this treatment, the infection can spread further into the bone and other soft tissues, leading to irreversible damage.

If left untreated, gum disease can result in:

• Gum Recession: The gums pull away from the teeth, exposing the tooth roots and increasing sensitivity.
• Bone Loss: The infection can lead to the destruction of the bone that supports your teeth, causing tooth mobility and eventual tooth loss.
• Bad Breath: The bacterial infection in the gums can lead to persistent bad breath (halitosis).
• Tooth Loss: The most severe consequence of untreated gum disease is the loss of teeth, which occurs when the supporting bone is destroyed and the tooth becomes loose.

By addressing gum disease early with scaling and root planing, you can prevent these issues and restore the health of your gums and teeth. Contact us to learn more.

The Procedure: What to Expect

Scaling and root planing are typically performed in two to four quadrants of the mouth, depending on the severity of the gum disease. The procedure can take anywhere from one to two hours, depending on the extent of cleaning needed.

Before starting the procedure, Dr. Todd Klein, DDS and Dr. Blake Reed, DMD will assess your gums and may take X-rays to determine the level of infection and to identify areas that require scaling and root planing. They will also discuss your medical history to ensure that the procedure is safe for you, especially if you have conditions like diabetes or a heart condition that may require additional precautions.

Local Anesthesia

Scaling and root planing is usually performed under local anesthesia to ensure that you are comfortable throughout the procedure. The numbing agent will be applied to the gums to reduce any discomfort during the treatment. If you are anxious about the procedure, our team can discuss options for sedation dentistry to help you relax.

Scaling

The dentist or hygienist will use specialized instruments to remove plaque and tartar from the surface of your teeth, both above and below the gum line. Ultrasonic tools may be used to emit high-frequency sound waves to break up the tartar for heavy tartar buildup. The scaling process may involve the use of both manual instruments and ultrasonic equipment to thoroughly clean the teeth.

Root Planing

After scaling, the dentist will begin the root planing process. This step involves smoothing the surfaces of the tooth roots to remove rough areas that bacteria can cling to. The root surfaces will be gently scraped to eliminate any remaining plaque or tartar, ensuring that the gums can reattach securely to the teeth.

Post-Procedure Care

Once the scaling and root planing procedure is completed, your gums may be tender, swollen, or slightly bleeding. This is normal, and the discomfort should subside within a few days. Our team will provide you with specific aftercare instructions, including advice on how to manage any soreness, avoid certain foods, and maintain oral hygiene during the healing period.

Recovery and Aftercare

After scaling and root planing, it’s important to take care of your gums to promote healing and prevent further infection. You may experience some discomfort, sensitivity, and mild bleeding, especially when brushing or flossing. These symptoms are generally temporary and should subside within a few days.

• Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, can help reduce discomfort after the procedure. If you experience significant pain or swelling, contact our office so that we can assist you in managing the discomfort.
• Oral Hygiene: It’s important to maintain good oral hygiene during the healing process, but you should be gentle when brushing and flossing around the treated areas. Our dental team will provide guidance on how to clean your teeth without irritating your gums and may recommend a soft-bristled toothbrush or a special rinse to help keep your mouth clean.
• Follow-Up Visits: To ensure that the scaling and root planing procedure was successful, Dr. Todd Klein, DDS and Dr. Blake Reed, DMD will schedule follow-up visits to monitor your progress. These visits typically occur three to four weeks after the procedure to evaluate your gum health and ensure that healing is occurring as expected.

If you have any concerns or experience persistent discomfort after the procedure, don’t hesitate to contact our office. We’re here to support you throughout your recovery and ensure that your gums and teeth remain healthy.

Long-Term Benefits of Scaling and Root Planing in Maryville, TN

Scaling and root planing are highly effective treatments for gum disease, and they provide long-term benefits for both your oral health and overall well-being. By thoroughly cleaning the teeth and roots, this procedure helps prevent further gum infection, reduces inflammation, and promotes the regeneration of healthy gum tissue.

Some of the key benefits of scaling and root planing include:

• Prevention of Tooth Loss: By addressing gum disease early, scaling and root planing can prevent the need for more invasive treatments, such as tooth extraction.
• Reduction of Gum Inflammation: Scaling and root planing help to reduce gum inflammation and promote the healing of infected gums.
• Improved Gum Health: The procedure helps your gums reattach to the tooth roots, reducing gum recession and protecting the bone structure of your teeth.
• Better Breath: Scaling and root planing can help eliminate the bacteria responsible for bad breath, giving you fresher breath.
• Prevention of Systemic Health Issues: By treating gum disease, you reduce the risk of complications related to heart disease, diabetes, and other systemic health conditions.

Conclusion

Scaling and root planing are vital treatments for managing and preventing gum disease, and they play a significant role in maintaining the health of your smile. At Klein Dental Arts in Maryville, TN, Dr. Todd Klein, DDS and Dr. Blake Reed, DMD are committed to providing personalized care to address your unique oral health needs. If you have signs of gum disease, such as bleeding, swollen gums, or persistent bad breath, schedule an appointment today to discuss whether scaling and root planing are right for you. By taking proactive steps toward your gum health, you’re not only protecting your smile but also investing in your overall well-being.

Transform your smile with expert care at Klein Dental Arts! Call us today at 865-983-0941 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Todd Klein, DDS and Dr. Blake Reed, DMD at 1905 W Broadway Ave, Maryville, TN 37801.