Dr. Craig S. Kohler is a leading dentist based in Wilmette, offering his patients the latest in general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry treatments that improve overall dental health and wellness. One of the keys to long-term dental health is root planning and scaling, also known as deep cleaning. You may have heard of this before but have a foggy idea about what it entails. Let’s go over some of the basics of root planing and scaling right now.
What are root planing and scaling?
Root planing and scaling is a dental treatment that is performed to remove deposits of plaque and tartar that are lodged down at the gumline. Plague and tartar are scraped away and any rough tooth structure at the root level is smoothed to prevent plaque formation in the future. This is an excellent means of preventing tooth decay and gum disease.
Root Planing and Scaling vs. Regular Cleanings
Since root planing and scaling are also known as deep cleaning, some people assume that the procedure is just like a traditional dental cleaning. That is not the case. A traditional dental cleaning only involves brushing, flossing, and some minor scraping. The root planing and scaling process down to the gum line area and involves precise scraping to ensure total dental health.
Appointments needed for treatment
During a root planing and scaling treatment, only one-quarter to one-half of the mouth is treated. The rest of the mouth will be addressed in a second session. The reason for this has to do with convenience.
Since the procedure takes an hour or two and involves a local anesthetic, breaking up the procedure tends of proving less of a hassle for patients than it may seem. This allows patients to carry on with the rest of the activities through their day without dealing with excessive numbness of the entire mouth.
What to Expect During Root Planing and Scaling Treatment
A local anesthetic is used for treatment, so patients will feel no pain or discomfort during the process. The dental hygienist will remove plaque and tartar by scraping the deposits and ensure each tooth is clean and healthy.
What to Expect After Root Planing and Scaling Treatment
After root planing and scaling, patients may notice that their teeth and gums feel a bit tender. This is a normal sensation to have, but it is not going to prove a major problem.
Patients can eat foods as they normally would, though it’s advised to avoid spicy foods or foods that are hot or cold in temperature.
Patients should brush and floss at night, as usual, rinsing with lukewarm water. It’s ideal to be extra tender with flossing and brushing to avoid irritating the gums.
Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Craig S. Kohler
For more information about root planing and scaling and how it can help you have a healthy and beautiful smile, it’s important that you contact our cosmetic and restorative dentistry center today. Dr. Kohler and his team will be more than happy to go over your many options for advanced dental care.