Gum disease doesn’t always cause obvious symptoms, but it can quietly damage your smile over time.
Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning procedure that removes plaque and tartar from beneath your gums to help reverse early-stage gum disease. It supports gum healing, reduces infection, and helps you avoid more invasive treatments later on. If you’re noticing changes in your gum health, schedule a visit with Dental Home in Warwick, RI, today.
What Is Scaling & Root Planing?
Scaling and root planing is a targeted cleaning treatment that reaches below the gumline to remove the hardened plaque and bacteria contributing to gum disease. It’s typically recommended when your gums show signs of inflammation or bleeding, indicating the presence of infection. This procedure helps stop gum disease before it becomes more serious.
- Targets deep gum pockets: Reaches plaque and bacteria that hide below the gums.
- Removes harmful buildup: Clears away tartar that can lead to infection and bone loss.
- Smooths root surfaces: Makes it harder for bacteria to cling to the tooth roots.
- Helps gums heal: Encourages healthy reattachment between gums and teeth.
What Happens During A Scaling & Root Planing Procedure
Your dental care provider will begin by gently numbing the area to make sure you stay comfortable during treatment. They’ll then clean below the gumline and smooth the root surfaces to remove buildup and support healthy gum reattachment. This non-surgical procedure is often completed in one or two visits, depending on the extent of your needs.
- Comfort-first care: Local anesthetic keeps the procedure relaxed and stress-free.
- Scaling treatment: Specialized tools remove buildup from below the gumline.
- Root smoothing: Polishes rough areas to prevent future bacterial buildup.
- Follow-up recommendations: May include rinses or re-evaluation to track healing.
The Long-Term Benefits Of Scaling & Root Planing
When gum disease is caught early and treated properly, you can avoid more extensive dental work in the future. Scaling and root planing helps preserve your natural teeth, reduces gum inflammation, and protects your overall health. With good hygiene habits, the benefits of this treatment can last for years.
- Preserves your natural teeth: Keeps gums strong enough to support your bite.
- Improves gum health: Reduces redness, bleeding, and inflammation over time.
- Supports whole-body health: Lowers oral bacteria that can affect your heart and immune system.
- Protects your smile investment: Helps you avoid more costly treatments later.
Signs You May Need Scaling & Root Planing
Gum disease often begins with subtle signs that are easy to miss. If you’re experiencing bleeding when brushing, gum recession, or lingering bad breath, it could mean harmful bacteria have settled below your gumline. Catching and treating it early leads to the best outcome.
- Bleeding when brushing: Often an early warning sign of gum infection.
- Receding gums: Can expose tooth roots and make teeth look longer.
- Persistent bad breath: A common result of bacteria trapped under the gums.
- Tooth mobility: Loose teeth may mean gum and bone support are compromised.
Strong Gums Start With The Right Kind Of Clean
Scaling and root planing is a powerful solution to protect your gums and stop early gum disease from progressing. With personalized care from the trusted team at Dental Home in Warwick, RI, you can restore your gum health and safeguard your smile for the future. This gentle deep cleaning helps create a healthier foundation for everything else in your mouth. Call now to schedule your visit and take the first step toward stronger, healthier gums.