Brushing and flossing are two of the easiest ways to keep both teeth and gums healthy. Unfortunately, plaque can easily build up on the teeth and below the gum line, filled with bacteria when not done properly. And once it calcifies or hardens, it turns into calculus.
Plaque build-up is the leading cause of periodontal disease. When plaque builds up, it can cause inflammation and bleeding in the gums, or worse, gum recession and eventual bone loss in the teeth. The good news is, early periodontal disease is reversible with scaling and root planing at Periodontal Associates.
Among dozens of periodontal disease specialists in Mississauga, our team of periodontists are highly skilled and qualified, ready to help you fight gum disease. See how our approach to scaling and root planing restores healthy gums.
What is scaling and root planing?
Root scaling and planing are the most common treatments for periodontal disease. Scaling is a technique for removing calculus or plaque and tartar from the surface of the teeth and below the gum line. Then, root planing smoothens the surface of the roots of the teeth and removes remaining plaque to prevent them from accumulating again.
Essentially, scaling and root planing deep clean the gums. These non-surgical techniques are often performed together to eliminate plaque build-up and prevent gum disease from progressing. In case of severe gum disease, scaling and root planing may be performed as a first step in an extensive treatment.
Why You Need Scaling and Root Planing
If your periodontist diagnoses you with early periodontal disease, they will most likely recommend scaling and root planing as the next steps to prevent worsening. In its early stages, gum disease—known as gingivitis—can be reversed with this treatment. However, if left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, further deteriorating the gums and causing both bone loss and tooth loss.
Scaling and root planing prevents this by removing the agents that cause inflammation in the gum tissue and affected bone. By removing plaque and tartar on the surfaces of the teeth and roots, your periodontist can help preserve your gums.
Signs You Need Scaling and Root Planing
Early gum disease isn’t always easy to identify. While the most common sign is bleeding in the gums, not everyone realizes that it’s due to plaque and tartar buildup. Here are other signs to watch out for:
- Red, swollen gums
- Gum recession has exposed the roots of your teeth, making your smile appear “toothy”
- Persistent bad breath
- Clearly visible buildup of white, yellow, or brown tartar on your teeth and gums
- Your teeth feel loose, caused by the deteriorating attachment of the roots
- Deep gum pockets, indicated by increased space between the teeth and gums.
Other Health Benefits of Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing can do a great deal in restoring healthy gums and treating periodontal disease. Next to proper brushing and flossing, periodontists recommend it to remove plaque buildup effectively and prevent severe effects on your gums.
But did you know that preventing gum disease from worsening has more health benefits? These include:
- Prevent infection: Did you know that periodontal disease and infections can affect more than the gums and even beyond the mouth? Oral bacteria can travel to the bloodstream and reach other parts of the body, which have been linked to lung infections and heart disease.
- Protect teeth: Healthy gums support healthy teeth. Gum disease can cause pockets or gaps between the teeth and gums to expand, resulting in larger bacterial buildup. Scaling and root planing eliminate pockets and prevent chronic inflammatory responses that cause tooth loss.
- A healthy and beautiful smile: Since they remove tartar and plaque from your teeth and gum line, scaling and planing will improve your smile and boost your confidence.
- Fresh breath: Periodontal disease can cause persistent bad breath. Scaling and root planing can help eliminate the plaque and bacteria causing this bad odour, providing you with fresher smelling breath.
What happens during your scaling and root planing procedures? Our approach at Periodontal Associates
Scaling and root planing are two deep cleaning procedures, typically performed together to remove plaque and tartar buildup from the surface of the teeth, roots, and gum line. Keep in mind that you may require multiple scaling and root planing sessions depending on the spread of plaque in multiple areas of the mouth.
Combined, our periodontists at Periodontal Associates will be able to treat early gum disease. Here is our entire process:
1. Consultation
During your visit to Periodontal Associates, your periodontist will assess the severity of gum disease. They will also confirm if you are a good candidate for scaling and root planing, and determine if you need one or both treatments to eliminate plaque buildup.
2. Preparation
Before starting your scaling or root planing procedure, your periodontist will administer an anesthetic to numb the area and keep you comfortable.
3. Scaling and root planing
Once the preparations are complete, your periodontist will proceed with scaling and/or root planing. Scaling will remove built-up plaque and tartar from the surface of the teeth and the gum line. Meanwhile, root planing will smoothen the roots of teeth affected by plaque and calculus.
4. Flushing
After scaling and root planing, your periodontist will flush the mouth with an antibacterial solution. This will help clean the treatment area and flush out any remaining plaque.
5. Post-treatment antibiotics and recovery
At the end of your scaling and root planing procedure, your periodontist will administer a local antibiotic in the periodontal pockets to prevent infection and complications.
Recovery After Scaling and Root Planing
After your scaling and root planing procedure, it’s crucial to follow your periodontist’s post-treatment instructions. Your periodontist will also walk you through the stages of recovery and symptoms to expect within the first few hours and days:
- Mild difficulty with eating and talking after the mouth was numbed
- Pain and discomfort in the treatment area
- Tooth sensitivity
- Bleeding in the gum after brushing.
Keep in mind that you need to take it easy after your scaling and root planing procedure. Your periodontist will advise you to rest and follow these standard post-op instructions to avoid complications:
- Avoid hard or chewy foods
- Avoid hot or cold food and drinks
- Use a desensitizing toothpaste
- In the long run, maintain good oral hygiene to prevent further plaque build-up.
Why do you need a periodontist to perform scaling and root planing?
Were you thinking of just calling your dentist or asking them about scaling and root planing? Going to a fully equipped periodontist in Mississauga with the right dental scaling tools is a much better choice. Scaling and root planing address gum disease, making periodontists the right person for these treatments.
At Periodontal Associates, our team of periodontists provides specialized treatments like scaling and root planing to treat gum disease and prevent it from worsening. Backed by a three-year post-graduate degree in periodontics after dental school, our periodontists have trained extensively in these deep cleaning techniques that target periodontal disease. Simply, we provide the specialized care you need to restore healthy gums.
How much do scaling and root planing cost?
Scaling and root planing are specialized deep cleaning techniques for eliminating plaque and cleaning out gum disease at its core. Undergoing these treatments is an investment in your long-term oral health.
To get the best results, you may need multiple sessions to cover extensive treatment areas. Your periodontist will assess these factors and inform you how much your scaling and root planing treatment costs in Mississauga:
- Extent of plaque buildup and number of sessions: The biggest consideration in determining the cost of your scaling and root planing treatment. Your periodontist will determine how many sessions you need to eliminate all plaque and calculus and the work it takes.
- Insurance coverage: If you have dental insurance, scaling and root planing may be covered by your provider. The higher your coverage, the less you pay out-of-pocket.
- Periodontist: Choosing a highly skilled and experienced periodontist helps ensure successful scaling and root planing. Remember that choosing the right periodontist is a small price to pay considering the long-term benefits of successful gum disease treatment.
What to look for when choosing a periodontist for scaling and root planing? The Periodontal Associates Difference
At Periodontal Associates, we’re dedicated to keeping your smile strong and healthy. Our team of periodontists in Mississauga are highly trained in specialized treatments for gum disease, such as scaling and root planing. But more importantly, we’re dedicated to meeting your needs and long-term oral health goals. We do this by providing a complete approach to scaling and root planing—from initial consultation to results and ongoing periodontal care.
- Scaling and root planing expertise: Periodontal Associates is composed of highly qualified periodontists with extensive experience in scaling and root planing, with successful results in treating gum disease.
- Personalized treatment plan: Scaling and root planing are just the beginning of your periodontal treatment. Based on your unique needs, we’ll create a treatment plan that reflects long-term periodontal care to prevent plaque buildup from recurring, so your gums and teeth will always be healthy.
- Affordable and accessible: Scaling and root planing are essential gum disease treatments. That’s why we’re dedicated to making these affordable and accessible in MIssissauga, through insurance coverage and financing terms.
- Conveniently located, state-of-the-art clinic: Periodontal Associates is close to Highway 403 in Mississauga, so you can easily reach us from anywhere in the GTA.
Stop the earliest signs of gum disease in their tracks. Ask our periodontists in Mississauga about scaling and root planing, and find out the right treatment for you to remove plaque for good.
