Scaling and Root Planing: What to Expect During a Deep Cleaning

Scaling and root planing involves a deep cleaning of the gum tissues. Scaling removes tartar and calculus, while root planing smooths the tooth roots.

It’s a common non-surgical treatment for treating and preventing the progression of gum disease. It helps the gums reattach to the teeth, thereby reducing gingival pocket depth.

Why is Scaling and Root Planing Important?

Over time, harmful oral bacteria produce a sticky film that covers your teeth (plaque). Without routine cleanings and proper oral hygiene, plaque can accumulate and harden into calculus.

Dental calculus is a major factor in tooth decay and gum disease. Scaling and root planing can remove calculus from teeth, improving oral hygiene and preventing further damage.

You may need scaling and root planing if you experience:

• Visible tartar buildup over your teeth and gums
• Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
• Persistent bad breath
• Gum recession
• Tooth sensitivity
• Loose teeth
• Deep gum pockets

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Scaling And Root Planing What To Expect During A Deep Cleaning

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Types of Dental Scaling Tools

Periodontal treatment instruments, such as sickle scalers and periodontal curettes, are often used for scaling and root planing. Hand instrumentation is also used. 

Dentists may also use ultrasonic instruments, which use the sonic vibrations of water to remove tartar. This makes cleaning easier and more efficient.

What to Expect During Scaling and Root Planing?

Scaling and root planing are two separate procedures that are done together. Periodontal scaling removes built-up tartar from your teeth and gums.

Meanwhile, root planing treats your tooth root surfaces to achieve a smooth finish, which makes it less likely for plaque and calculus to reaccumulate. 

The entire deep cleaning process will involve the following:

1. Your dentist or periodontist measures gum pocket depths. Depths over 3 mm often indicate a need for a deeper clean.
2. Your dental professional, either a dentist or hygienist, will administer local anesthesia to prevent discomfort.
3. An ultrasonic scaler or manual instruments remove stubborn plaque biofilm, calcified tartar, and bacterial toxins.
4. The dentist smooths out rough root surfaces to remove infected cementum (the outer layer of the root) and superficial dentin.
5. After scaling and root planing, your dental professional may flush or irrigate your mouth with an antibacterial solution (such as chlorhexidine) to further cleanse the area. 
6. Finally, your dental professional may place local antibiotics within the periodontal pockets.

How Long Does Scaling and Root Planing Take?

The entire procedure can take about one to two hours. However, the entire cleaning may take place in multiple sessions, one for each half or quarter of your mouth.

This is because your dentist wants to ensure you’re adequately numbed for the procedure. Numbing your entire mouth for one session can cause problems with eating, swallowing, and talking.

Deep cleaning requires multiple appointments because it requires ample time to ensure all areas of gum disease are treated. Additionally, completing a full mouth scaling and root planing can result in significant discomfort afterward. 

What Happens After the Procedure?

While deep cleaning may require multiple appointments, recovery shouldn’t be too intense. During the first few hours or days after the procedure, you may notice mild pain, tooth sensitivity, and bleeding gums.

Your dentist will also give you recovery instructions to improve healing. These typically include:

• Avoiding foods that require a lot of chewing
• Avoiding very hot or cold food and drinks
• Using a desensitizing toothpaste

Long-term, you’ll need good oral hygiene to maintain the benefits of deep cleaning.

What are The Benefits of Scaling and Root Planing?

Benefits of scaling and root planing may include:

• Reduced gum pocket depth
• Lower risk of advanced gum disease (also known as periodontitis)
• Lower risk of tooth decay
• Elimination of bad breath 

What are the Risks?

For the first few days following the procedure, you may experience pain, sensitivity, and gum bleeding while brushing. These should go away quickly.

However, you should be aware of some other risks. One is that bacteria may be introduced into the gums and bloodstream, causing an infection.

Your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to help prevent infections. Another risk is that root planing may remove more of the surface of your tooth’s roots (cementum) than necessary. 

How Effective is Scaling and Root Planing for Gum Disease?

Scaling and root planing have been shown to reduce gum pocket depth, an important indicator of gum disease.

However, the effectiveness of the procedure partly depends on the quality of your oral hygiene after the procedure is complete. Brushing, flossing, and maintaining a balanced diet will help prevent plaque and tartar buildup.

What are The Long-Term Consequences of Avoiding Treatment?

The long-term consequences of avoiding scaling and root planing or any kind of dental care typically include:

• Tooth and bone loss
• Systemic health risks due to infections
• Chronic pain
• Persistent bad breath
• Unappealing teeth

Additionally, if gum disease progresses, more extensive procedures like gum surgery, bone grafts, or implants might be required. This often comes at a higher cost than scaling and root planing.