Scaling and Root Planing

Scaling and Root Planing

The journey to achieving a healthy, confident smile begins with understanding and maintaining optimal oral health. At Power Road Dental Care, our skilled and compassionate team is dedicated to providing exceptional dental care tailored to your individual needs.

We offer a wide range of specialized dental procedures to ensure a comprehensive approach to your dental well-being. Discover the benefits of our services and learn how we can help you unveil a brighter, healthier smile.

If you are in the East Valley and are searching for ‘deep cleaning teeth near me’, we can help. To book an appointment for scaling and root planing, call (480) 664-1438 or complete the online booking form.

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What is Scaling and Root Planing?

Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical periodontal treatment that removes periodontal pockets and smooths the root surfaces of the teeth. 

By thoroughly cleaning the roots of your teeth and removing plaque and tartar buildup, this procedure helps prevent further tissue damage and fosters an environment for healthy gum reattachment.

Scaling and root planing ensure a solid foundation for your teeth, making it an essential treatment in maintaining the long-term health of your gums.

Benefits of Scaling and Root Planing

Scaling and root planing can provide a variety of benefits, such as:

  • Detailed cleaning of the roots and gum line to prevent periodontal disease progression.
  • Improved appearance of teeth due to reduced plaque buildup.
  • Reduced risk of tooth loss from periodontal disease or weakened root structure.
  • Reduced irritation from bad breath caused by bacteria buildup.
  • Improved oral hygiene due to a deep clean of the tooth root and surrounding tissue.

Who Needs Scaling and Root Planing?

Anyone who has periodontal disease or is showing signs of gum recession should consider scaling and root planing to maintain good oral hygiene. 

Patients with existing cavities, crowded teeth, and with increased plaque buildup may also be recommended for this procedure by their dentist. 

Patients with gingival inflammation, bad breath, or discomfort when brushing could also benefit from the deep cleaning associated with scaling and root planing.

Scaling and Root Planing Procedure

The procedure for scaling and root planing typically follows these steps:

  1. Local anesthetic: A local anesthetic is applied to numb the area and ensure you are comfortable throughout the procedure.
  2. Scaling: Using specialized dental instruments, like an ultrasonic device, your dentist or hygienist will carefully remove plaque and tartar buildup from the tooth surface and below the gum line.
  3. Root Planing: This involves smoothing rough spots on the root of the tooth to discourage further plaque and tartar buildup and facilitate reattachment of the gums to the tooth.
  4. Antibacterial Rinse: After scaling and planing, an antibacterial rinse is used to help eliminate any remaining bacteria.
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Periodontal Maintenance

Periodontal maintenance is a customized cleaning procedure designed to halt the progression of periodontal (gum) disease. It is an ongoing treatment that is recommended for patients who have previously been treated for periodontal disease, either through non-surgical treatments like scaling and root planing, or surgical interventions.

Who Needs Periodontal Maintenance?

Patients with a history of gum disease are the primary candidates for periodontal maintenance. Patients that have experienced bleeding gums, loose teeth, or bone loss due to periodontal disease require this specialized cleaning regimen to prevent the disease from recurring and causing further damage.

What Does Periodontal Maintenance Involve?

Unlike regular dental cleanings that focus on the surface and the areas above the gum line, periodontal maintenance involves deep cleaning below the gum line

This procedure may include scaling (to remove calculus and plaque) and root planing (to smooth rough root surfaces), as well as other treatments as needed. 

The frequency of maintenance appointments can vary based on the individual’s periodontal health status, but they typically occur every three to four months.

Periodontal Maintenance vs. Regular Dental Cleaning

Regular dental cleanings focus on preventative care, mainly targeting the buildup of plaque and tartar above the gum line and polishing your teeth. Periodontal maintenance, on the other hand, is a more intensive treatment. 

The goal of periodontal maintenance is to manage existing gum disease by thoroughly cleaning both above and below the gum line, and includes monitoring for signs of disease progression. 

This specialized maintenance is a crucial part of a comprehensive treatment plan for individuals with a history of periodontal disease.

Schedule Periodontal Maintenance

Full Mouth Debridements

Full mouth debridement is a restorative procedure that removes plaque and calculus from all surfaces of the teeth. This treatment can be used as an initial therapy for periodontal disease, or to supplement scaling and root planing in more severe cases.

Who Is Full Mouth Debridement For?

Full mouth debridement is recommended for individuals who have extensive plaque and tartar buildup, severe periodontal disease, or to remove deposits that cannot be removed through regular scaling and root planing. 

This treatment can also be used in conjunction with other periodontal procedures to ensure a healthy foundation for the teeth.

How Is Full Mouth Debridement Performed?

Full mouth debridement is a non-surgical treatment that can be done in one visit. It involves using specialized instruments to remove deposits from all surfaces of the teeth, including below the gum line. This procedure also includes cleaning and polishing for a brighter smile.

Benefits of Full Mouth Debridement

Full mouth debridement offers numerous benefits, including:

  • Reduced inflammation and discomfort associated with periodontal disease.
  • Improved appearance of the teeth by removing deposits that cause discoloration or staining.
  • Increased oral hygiene due to thorough cleaning of plaque and tartar buildup.
  • Reduced risk of further oral health complications caused by bacteria accumulation.
  • A healthier, brighter smile!
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Ultrasonic Scalers: State-of-the-Art Technology for Precision Cleaning

At Power Road Dental Care, we use advanced ultrasonic scalers in our dental cleanings, offering a faster, more comfortable, and precise cleaning experience. 

The ultrasonic scaler vibrates gently to remove stubborn deposits and plaque from the teeth, while also gently irrigating to rinse away bacteria. 

This advanced technology allows us to provide a deep clean with fewer passes of the scaler, resulting in less patient discomfort.

What Are the Benefits of Using Ultrasonic Scalers?

Ultrasonic scalers offer numerous benefits compared to traditional manual methods, including:

  • Increased efficiency and precision, allowing for faster, more thorough cleanings.
  • Reduces potential for damage to tooth enamel caused by manual instruments.
  • Reduced risk of gingival trauma due to the gentle vibrations of the scaler.
  • Improved patient comfort compared to traditional cleaning methods.

Experience the Power Road Dental Care Difference

Power Road Dental Care is committed to providing exceptional dental care in a friendly, comfortable atmosphere. Dr. Tyler N. Davis and his team use the latest, state-of-the-art technology to ensure your smile is healthy and vibrant. Start your journey toward a healthier, more confident smile with Power Road Dental Care.

If you are in the East Valley and are searching for ‘deep cleaning teeth near me’, we can help. To book an appointment for scaling and root planing, call (480) 664-1438 or complete the online booking form.

If you are searching for a dentist near me, trust the experts at Power Road Dental Care.

Schedule Your Dental Cleaning Today
Summary
  • Scaling and root planing is a comprehensive periodontal solution that helps prevent the progression of gum disease and bone loss.
  • Periodontal maintenance is a personalized cleaning procedure aimed at preventing the progression of gum disease and bone loss, especially for those with a history of the disease.
  • Unlike traditional dental cleanings, periodontal maintenance involves deep cleaning both above and below the gum line, typically performed every three to four months.
  • Full mouth debridements, an additional restorative procedure, targets individuals with significant plaque and tartar buildup or severe periodontal disease. It removes deposits from all tooth surfaces in a single visit.  This is typically the first step in periodontal therapy.
  • Ultrasonic scalers allow for faster, more comfortable and precise dental cleanings by gently vibrating to remove stubborn deposits and plaque.
  • To book an appointment at Power Road Dental Care, call (480) 664-1438 or complete the online booking form.

FAQs About Scaling and Root Planing

What Is Scaling and Root Planing?

Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning process that removes plaque and calculus from both above and below the gum line, in order to help maintain good oral health and prevent further progression of gum disease.

Is Scaling and Root Planing Painful?

No, scaling and root planing is not painful, because you are numb.  Dr. Davis or one of his hygienists anesthetize your mouth and gums with local anesthetic to ensure that you are comfortable.

What Is the Difference Between Root Scaling and Planing?

Root scaling involves the removal of plaque and tartar build-up from the surfaces below the gum line. Root planing involves smoothing out the tooth roots to help your gums reattach to your teeth.

How Often Should I Have Scaling and Root Planing?

The frequency of your scaling and root planing will depend on how advanced your periodontal condition is and how compliant you are with your periodontal maintenance cleanings.  In general, it is recommended to have scaling and root planing if you have been diagnosed with early to moderate periodontal disease. Your dentist will create a personalized treatment plan based on your needs.  In severe cases of periodontal disease, we typically include a periodontist to assist in the overall treatment.  Our goal is to offer the best treatment possible, and to keep the mouth in optimum health.

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