How long does scaling and root planing take

Properly healed gums appear as well-adapted, firm, and normally shaped tissue. Scaling and root planing typically requires two visits to your dentist's office.

It is a relatively safe and painless procedure. The cost of the procedure varies, depending on your location and whether or not you have insurance.

Practicing good oral hygiene is necessary to prevent the development of chronic periodontitis. Periodontitis is the most serious form of gum disease that results in permanent bone loss that cannot grow back. Severe periodontal disease also typically requires invasive surgery. To prevent the need for surgery, it is crucial to practice good oral care at home. These habits include cleaning your teeth with a toothbrush twice a day, using fluoride, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash.

Follow-up appointments are also necessary a few weeks after treatment. This is when dentists examine the healing gums and ensure the periodontal pockets have decreased in size. If the pockets are deeper than 3mm, another procedure may be needed. If you have severe periodontal disease, your dentist may recommend scaling and root planing treatment at least twice a year. However, if your gums and teeth are healthy after the first procedure, you'll only need dental checkups twice a year.

During these appointments, you'll receive a regular teeth cleaning and exam. Scaling and root planing can have minor side effects, which will normally resolve after a few days. It is important to practice good oral hygiene to prevent the recurrence of periodontal disease.

Schedule follow-up checkups with your dentist so they can track the healing process. Depending on the severity of your periodontitis, you may need to undergo scaling and root planing at least twice a year. Scaling and root planing treatment does not loosen your teeth. However, the long-term buildup of plaque and tartar below the gum line can loosen your teeth from the gum pockets. Your teeth and gums will heal quickly after a deep cleaning.

You may feel some discomfort for a few days post-op and tooth sensitivity may occur for up to six weeks after treatment. This is a normal part of the healing process. No, you will not feel any pain during a deep cleaning because a local anesthetic will be administered before the procedure begins. Minor discomfort after treatment is completely normal. To prevent the progression of periodontal disease advanced gum disease , scaling and root planing treatment is necessary.

If left untreated, the disease can result in tooth loss. Cohen, Edward S. Atlas of Cosmetic and Reconstructive Periodontal Surgery. Peoples Medical Publishing House, Hollins, Carole. Basic Guide to Dental Procedures.

Syrbu, John DDS. Yaghini, Jaber, et al. Waghmare, Alka S, et al. Canker Sores. Dental Anxiety. Root Canal. Sleep Apnea. Dry Socket. Wisdom Teeth. Cavity Fillings. Clear Aligners. Scaling and root planing is generally completed within 1 — 4 visits, depending on the extent of the condition.

We typically treat a quarter of the mouth at each visit, which allows us to thoroughly remove plaque and tartar deposits from beneath the gumline and clean out periodontal pockets as effectively as possible. Every SRP treatment at Premier Periodontics is scheduled according to individual needs to ensure our patients receive the personalized care and attention they deserve.

During scaling and root planing procedures, our team often uses an advanced technology known as perioscopy. This tool allows us to visualize the surfaces of the teeth through magnification and illumination. When perioscopy is utilized, scaling and root planing effectiveness can increase significantly. After all areas of the mouth have been treated with SRP, our team will schedule a follow-up visit to evaluate treatment results. The goals of this nonsurgical gum disease treatment are to prevent further destruction of the jawbone, heal infected gum tissues or active infection , and reduce the depths of periodontal pockets.

Did you know that healthy gum tissue fits tightly around each tooth? So when bacterial plaque and tartar accumulate around and under the gums — causing inflammation — periodontal disease develops. Also known as periodontitis, gum disease causes pockets to form in your gum tissue around your teeth. As the gum tissue detaches from your teeth, this could affect both your teeth and supporting bone in your mouth — perhaps even leading to tooth loss. A two-step procedure, the deep cleaning is known as scaling teeth, and root planing might take more than one appointment.

To minimize any discomfort, you might need a local anesthetic. The goal is to thoroughly scale all plaque, bacterial toxins, and tartar deposits from your teeth and root surfaces. Dental scaling dives deeper into the gumline with manual hand instruments, ultrasonic instruments, or both. If your hygienist — or dentist — uses an ultrasonic scaling device, sonic vibrations will remove the plaque bacteria and tartar calculus from the tooth surface and underneath the gumline.

A manual dental scaler can do the same thing. Or it can supplement the ultrasonic device by removing particles the device can't break loose. Root planing involves an even deeper dive with detailed scaling of the root surface to smooth out rough areas. Smooth root surfaces keep bacteria, plaque, and tartar from re-adhering underneath the gumline. Root planing decreases gum tissue inflammation, allowing your gums to heal and reattach themselves more firmly to your teeth.

If needed to prevent infection, your dentist might administer medicine directly into the area undergoing the procedure. If you had local anesthesia, you might have pain and anti-inflammation medicine on hand after the effect wears off. Or your dentist might prescribe pain medication and something to prevent infection. An oral rinse to aid in infection prevention might be in order. The medicine and rinse can help you experience pain for a couple of days and teeth sensitivity for about a week.

And your gums might be swollen, tender, and even bleed. It is no secret that smoking is linked to instances of gum disease. In fact, smokers double their chances of experiencing gum disease. Eating whole foods like fresh fruits, ripe vegetables, lean proteins, and, if tolerable, dairy products can give your mouth a nutrition boost. For instance, some studies have shown a correlation between periodontal improvements and the ingestion of foods rich in vitamins A and C.

Of course, even with diligent self-care, your dentist may feel that a future scaling and root planing deep cleaning could be beneficial. In that case, you should find a credentialed dentist you feel comfortable with. Think you might have gum disease after noticing signs like bleeding gums, bad breath, and swollen gums? The sooner you visit a dentist in San Antonio, TX, or your nearest location, the sooner you can get a diagnosis—and get on the track to healthier teeth, gums, and jawbone.

Andrew J. For 20 years, he has used his experience and training to provide patients with exceptional, customized care. In addition to offering scaling and root planing, Dr.

Make an appointment with Dr. Weber at Excellent Dental Specialists today by calling our offices across Texas today! Many people suffer from tooth loss for one reason or another.