Scaling and root planning
Go to: Previous Article Next Article
The objective of conventional periodontal therapy, otherwise known as scaling and root planing, non-surgical periodontal therapy, or dental prophylaxis is to take away or eliminate the etiologic agents which cause inflammation. Scaling and root planing are often referred to as deep cleaning.
Scaling:
Scaling is process that meticulously removes contamination toxins, micro-organisms, plaque, tartar, cementum, dentin that is tough and/or permeated by calculus from around, below and under the gum line down to the base of the pocket. This is done to remove biofilm, calculus, and toxin down to the bottom of every periodontal pocket in order to obtain a healing response.
Root Planing:
Root planing includes smoothing the root surfaces of your teeth with thin curettes so gum tissue can more safely reattach to roots that are clean and smooth to prevent tooth loss and sensitivity problems. The procedure makes it more difficult for plaque to accumulate along the root surfaces.
Because this process goes deeper than a normal cleaning, your mouth may be insensate. The cleaning may take two visits to complete. Based on the degree of the disease you may need one or additional sections (quadrants) of the mouth to be treated with scaling and root planing. Treatment may require one or more visits.
Root planing and scaling for gum disease:
Non-surgical therapy removes plaque and calculus by controlling the growth of harmful bacteria and by treating conditions that encourage gum diseases. This kind of treatment may be all that's needed, particularly when periodontal disease is caught early. You may also need to have certain procedures, such as replacing worn fillings or crowns with overhanging margins that can accumulate plaque, taken care of before periodontal therapy can begin.
Root planing and scaling is one of the most effective ways to treat gum disease before it becomes severe. Root planing and scaling cleans between the gums and the teeth down to the roots. Your dentist may need to use a local painkiller to numb your gums and the roots of your teeth.
Some dentists and dental hygienists will use an ultrasonic tool for the planing and scaling. This tool is not as uncomfortable as a normal scraping tool, but not all cleanings require this type of tool.Dentist may also place antibiotic fibers into the pockets between your teeth and gums. The antibiotic will help speed healing and avoid infection. The dentist will take out the fibers about 1 week following the procedure.
Post Operative Instructions: Scaling and Root Planing
Oral Hygiene: Clean your mouth 2-3 times per day with warm salt water (one teaspoon of salt to 8 ounces of water). Start home care, as instructed, immediately.
Discomfort: Your gums may become "achy" and a couple of Advil will eliminate any discomfort. Sensitivity to cold may temporarily occur.
Eating: Your next meal should be soft. Avoid any hard, crunchy foods like potato chips, snacks, etc. for the next 3-4 days. Avoid extreme temps and spicy food if you can.
Swelling: Swelling or jaw tautness occur very rarely however, if it does, place warm wet towels to the face in the area of stiffness.
Smoking: Please do not smoke following scaling and root planning procedures. Tobacco smoke is an irritant to healing. Refrain from smoking for 24 hours or longer.
Cosmetic Procedures:::
In addition to procedures to treat periodontal disease, many periodontists also carry out cosmetic procedures to enhance your smile. Oftentimes, patients who pursue cosmetic procedures notice improved function as well. Cosmetic procedures include Crown Lengthening, Soft Tissue Grafts, Ridge Augmentation.
Article Source: Articlelogy.com
- Get Fit the healthy way tons of honest tips and tricks to lead a healthier life, also in progress a guide on how to stop smoking -
Word Count: 619
Reduce Your Debts Without Bankruptcy. See How Much You Can Save. Free Debt Analysis
