Patient Reviews
Friendly, knowledgeable, and caring staff. They made me feel at ease as a new patient. I'm glad I found a very good dentist office.
Great dental services! Everyone in the practice is friendly and professional and attentive to the patients needs and concerns.
Cares about patients. The staff is very helpful and accommodating. Scheduling was easy. The practice is outstanding and deserves 10 stars!
Made me comfortable knowing I had a lot of anxiety Everything was explained really thoroughly which made me feel even more at ease
Dentist and dental tech are very kind and professional. Work is done gently . Great experience.
First visit. Everyone was so nice and made me comfortable knowing I had a lot of anxiety Everything was explained really thoroughly which made me feel even more at ease.
Excellent customer service. Extremely kind, courteous and caring about their patients. They do an awesome job communicating the treatment and patient out of pocket cost for a procedure.
Great dentist. Thorough, explained everything, reasonable pricing, warm and friendly staff. So happy I found you.
Root Scaling & Planing
Deep Teeth Cleaning
The initial stage of periodontal treatment is usually a thorough cleaning that may include scaling or root planing. These non-surgical procedures aim to remove etiologic agents such as dental plaque and tartar, or calculus, that cause gingival inflammation and disease. Scaling and root planing can be used as a stand-alone treatment or a preventive measure. They are commonly performed for gingivitis and moderate to severe periodontal disease.
What is Scaling and Root Planing Treatment?
Your dentist will perform scaling and root planing only after a thorough examination of your mouth, which may include X-rays and a visual exam. Depending on your gum condition, the amount of tartar present, pocket depth, and the progression of periodontitis, They may recommend scaling and root planing. In some cases, the dentist may use local anesthesia during the procedure.
Scaling:
During scaling, the dentist removes calculus and plaque attached to the tooth surfaces. The process especially targets the area below the gum line, along the root. A special dental tool called an ultrasonic scaling tool is used. The scaling tool usually includes an irrigation process that delivers an antimicrobial agent below the gums to help reduce oral bacteria.
Root Planing:
Root planing removes cementum and surface dentin embedded with unwanted microorganisms, toxins, and tartar. The root of the tooth is literally smoothed, which promotes healing and also helps prevent bacteria from easily colonizing in the future.
Antibiotics or irrigation with antimicrobials (chemical agents or mouth rinses) may be recommended to help control the growth of bacteria that create toxins and cause periodontitis. In some cases, Your dentist may place antibiotic fibers in the periodontal pockets after scaling and planing. This may help control infection and encourage normal healing.
What are the Benefits of Root Scaling and Planing?
If treatment is successful, scaling and planing may have many periodontal benefits. One is that it can help prevent disease. Research has proven that bacteria from periodontal infections can travel through the bloodstream and affect other areas of the body, sometimes causing heart and respiratory diseases. Scaling and root planing remove bacteria that cause these conditions.
Another benefit of treatment is protecting teeth against tooth loss. When gum pockets exceed 3mm in depth, the risk for periodontal disease increases. As pockets deepen, more bacteria can colonize, eventually causing a chronic inflammatory response that destroys gingival and bone tissue. This leads to tooth loss.
Finally, scaling and root planing may make the mouth more aesthetically pleasing and should reduce bad breath caused by food particles and bacteria in the oral cavity. Scaling and planing also remove superficial stains, adding an extra benefit to the procedure.
What is the Scaling and Root Planing Procedure Like?
Scaling and root planing is a deep-cleaning procedure that focuses on areas of the teeth and gums affected by gum disease. Unlike regular cleanings, root scaling and planing extends below the gum line to remove plaque and tartar from the tooth surfaces and root surfaces. Depending on the patient’s gum health and pocket depth, the mouth may be divided into sections so that one half is treated at a time. Local anesthesia may be used to improve patient comfort during treatment.
During scaling, the dentist or dental hygienist removes hardened plaque, tartar, and harmful bacteria from the teeth and beneath the gums. Root planing then smooths the tooth roots so the gums have a cleaner surface to heal against. X-rays and gum pocket measurements may help the dental professional determine the extent of periodontal disease and identify areas that require more extensive treatment. The goal is to remove as much plaque and infected tooth structure as possible while supporting healthier gums.
Recovery from Scaling and Root Planing Surgery/Treatment
After scaling and root planing, it is normal for the gums to feel tender or sensitive for a short time. Patients may also experience minor discomfort, temporary sensitivity to hot or cold foods and beverages, or slight bleeding from the gums. These effects generally improve as the gums heal. Following your dentist’s instructions for brushing, flossing, and other oral hygiene practices can help support recovery and prevent infection.
As your gums heal, inflammation and bleeding should decrease. Good dental health after treatment also depends on regular cleanings and periodontal maintenance appointments to control plaque buildup. Maintaining healthy teeth and gums at home can help protect your oral health and reduce the risk of gum disease returning.
Why Choose Riverdale Dental for Scaling and Root Planing
Riverdale Dental provides scaling and root planing as part of a comprehensive approach to gum health and optimal oral health. Our providers evaluate the condition of the gums, teeth, and supporting structures before recommending treatment, allowing the practice to address periodontal disease based on each patient’s needs.
By removing plaque, tartar, and harmful bacteria from beneath the gum line, root scaling and planing can help support healthier gums and protect teeth from the potential complications of untreated gum disease. Following treatment, ongoing periodontal maintenance and regular dental cleanings can help patients maintain healthy teeth and gums while supporting their overall dental health.
Schedule a Consultation
If you have bleeding gums, gum recession, persistent bad breath, or other gum disease symptoms, a dental exam can help determine whether scaling and root planing may be appropriate. Riverdale Dental can evaluate your gum pockets, plaque and tartar buildup, and overall gum health and recommend treatment to help protect your teeth and prevent periodontal disease.