Scaling and Root Planing: The Gold Standard for Treating Gum Disease

Gum disease, often known as tooth decay is one of the most common diseases around the world. If major dental problems are not solved in a timely manner they can progress to more serious disorders. For gum diseases, treatments like scaling and root planing is highly effective. Deep cleaning technique is the first treatment for advanced gum disease and is considered as the gold standard.

Understanding Gum Disease

Gum disease occurs when bacteria alongside the gums is not removed regularly which later on start decaying the tooth. Additionally, that bacteria alongside gum starts to turn into tartar which then can only be treated by a dentist. If we do not look after the cause and don’t proceed further it will kill bones and tissues between teeth and gums.

What is Scaling and Root Planing?

Scaling and root planing is where dentists through deep cleaning remove the bacteria alongside your gums and teeth. There are 2 steps of it, one is scaling and other is root planing. Scaling is when a dentist uses hand scaler to remove bacteria or tartar deep down from the tooth surface. Second step is root planing. Where the dentist smooths the tooth root surface for gum to reconnect with teeth and to prevent from further bacteria growth.

Why is Scaling and Root Planing the Gold Standard?

The following factors contribute to the scaling and root planing. It is one of the most preferred non-surgical treatment for the gums and teeth. It prevents the spread of bacteria. Additionally, it can prevent us from the further decaying of bone and tissues as we remove the tartar and bacteria from the gums. Secondly, it reduces gum bleeding and inflammation. These are the symptoms of gum diseases. With scaling and root planing we remove any kind of bacteria from deep cleaning which reduces the gum bleeding and inflammation. Thirdly, it eliminate bad breath. Bad breath is caused by two factors; first is bacterial infection and other is tartar growth in your mouth by deep cleaning these factors are removed, and your mouth feels fresh.

Moreover, it strengthens the gum bond with teeth. Scaling and root planing prevents any further inflammation by flattening the root surface of the gums to reattach with the teeth. Lastly, it helps maintain overall health as well. Gum disease is the major cause of many diseases like heart diseases, respiratory disorders and many others. With scaling and root planing we prevent many of these issues to take place.

What to Expect of the procedure?

Patients often ask about the procedure of scaling and root planing, here is detailed step by step procedure of it.

• Examination: The dentist uses a dental probe or x-ray to identify the cause and depth of the gum disease.
• Anesthesia: It is given to the patient for the smooth procedure of deep cleaning without any pain.
• Scaling: Special dental equipment is used for the removal of tartar above and below the gum line in it.
• Root planing: To eliminate any bacteria and toxins and promote gum attachment the roots are polished and smooth out.
• Anti-bacterial treatment: To further limit the bacterial growth and antibiotic is given to apply occasionally.
• Post treatment instructions: to minimize reinfection patients are guided to make sure their mouth is properly clean.

Post-Treatment Care and Recovery

• Brush your teeth gently with soft toothbrushes
• Rinse your mouth daily with antibacterial mouthwash or water salt.
• For a few days avoid hot and spicy food.
• Regularly go for dental checkups and for proper oral hygiene.
• Go to your dentist for follow-ups and monitoring.

Who Needs Scaling and Root Planing?

Not everyone need scaling and root planing but this is for people who have bleeding gums. Moreover, people who have an issue of bad breath and gum pockets that are deep (more than 4mm). Furthermore, people who have an accumulation of tartar behind the gum line in their mouth. Lastly, people who have periodontitis in its early to moderate phases would also require scaling and root planing. People having any of these issues must consult the dentist and get the treatment done as soon as possible before it worsens and becomes severe.

Long-Term Benefits of Scaling and Root Planing

Here are some long term benefits of scaling and root planing:

• Tooth loss prevention
• Healthier and more robust gums
• Decreased chance of requiring additional periodontal surgery or treatments
• Reduced chance of systemic health issues associated with gum disease
• Enhanced confidence and general oral hygiene

Conclusion

Gum disease is a condition that must be prevented as soon as possible. Scaling and root planing, the gold standard for treating periodontal disease, is a highly effective non-surgical method of restoring gum health. It helps to promote gums health, its attachment and slow down any disease progress and protect overall oral health.

If you suspect you have gum disease, visit Dental Aesthetics Studio in rawalpindi. They have been in the business for around 10 years with expert and professional team of dentists. We ensure smooth, pain-less and effective procedures, hence, if you need consultation or treatment for any problem, book your appointment. By investing in your oral health now you can avoid many major health problems in future.