I just got my teeth cleaned today (9/18/23.) Kevin is an amazing dental hygienist. He is very thorough and has a wonderful, engaging personality. I highly recommend him.
- Julie M.
5.0
Instructions For Scaling And Root Planing
After scaling and root planing, you can expect to notice a significant improvement in your gum health. Your gums will likely appear less red and swollen, and bleeding will be reduced. Additionally, you may experience a noticeable improvement in your mouth’s taste and sensation. To maintain optimal gum health, it’s essential to follow a consistent home care routine and schedule regular dental check-ups every 3-4 months. Let’s work together to achieve and maintain healthy gums.
- DISCOMFORT: You may experience mild discomfort after your treatment, such as throbbing or aching. This should subside within a few hours or days.
- TOOTH SENSITIVITY: Your teeth may be sensitive to temperature changes or sweets. This is temporary and can be managed with a prescribed fluoride toothpaste, which we have available for purchase or prescription.
- BLEEDING: Some light bleeding is normal for a few brushings after treatment, but it should gradually decrease.
- APPEARANCE: Your gums may change shape as they heal, becoming tighter. This is a natural part of the healing process.
Analysis reveals significant drop in children's tooth decay
- DIET/EATING: After extensive root planing, avoid hard foods like meat or raw vegetables until your gums have healed. Opt for softer foods to minimize discomfort.
- DISCOMFORT/SENSITIVITY:If a local anesthetic was used, avoid chewing until your sensation returns to prevent accidental bites to your tongue or cheeks. Take acetaminophen or NSAIDs as directed to manage pain.
- ORAL HYGIENE: Brush your teeth gently but thoroughly, even if your gums or teeth are tender. This may take longer than usual. Consider using one of the following mouth rinses or brushing techniques:
- Prescription oral rinse
- Warm salt water rinse
- Prescription tooth paste
- Brush with the recommended Professional Electric Tooth Brush and attachments
Frequently Asked Questions
Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning procedure performed below the gum line to remove hardened plaque and bacteria from the tooth roots. Unlike a routine cleaning that focuses on the surface of the teeth, this treatment targets pockets of bacteria that hide beneath the gums. The goal is to eliminate infection and create a smooth root surface so that gums can reattach to the tooth and heal.
When plaque and tartar accumulate below the gum line, the gums become inflamed and begin to pull away from the teeth, forming pockets. These pockets trap bacteria, making infection more likely and harder to control with brushing alone. Scaling and root planing disrupts this cycle by thoroughly cleaning these areas and encouraging the gums to tighten around the tooth once the infection is reduced.
This procedure is commonly recommended for people who show signs of early to moderate gum disease, such as bleeding gums, gum swelling, or increased pocket depths. It can also help patients who might be at risk for periodontal issues due to diabetes, smoking, or a history of gum infections. A dental examination with probing measurements helps determine if this treatment is needed.
During the procedure, local anesthesia is typically used to numb the treatment area, ensuring comfort while the dentist works below the gum line. Some patients feel pressure or mild sensitivity in areas that haven’t been cleaned in a while. After the appointment, the gums may feel tender for a few days, but this usually subsides as healing begins.
Once scaling and root planing are complete, some soreness and sensitivity are normal as the gum tissues start to recover. Rinsing with a prescribed mouthwash and gentle brushing help support healing. You may notice that your gums feel tighter and healthier as inflammation decreases over several weeks. Follow-up appointments are important to track progress and check pocket depths.
For many patients, scaling and root planing can stop gum disease progression and reduce the need for surgical intervention. When the infection is caught early and treated effectively, gum tissues can respond well, and deeper pockets may shrink. However, if disease has advanced significantly, surgical treatment might be discussed as part of a complete periodontal care plan.
The length of a scaling and root planing appointment depends on the severity of gum disease and how many areas need treatment. Some patients complete the procedure in one visit, while others may need it broken into sections for comfort. Your dental team will explain the expected timeline before treatment begins.
Yes, follow-up care is a key part of successful periodontal treatment. After the gums have had time to heal, your dentist will re-measure the pocket depths and assess how the tissues are responding. This helps determine if additional care is needed or if periodontal maintenance should be established to support long-term gum health.
In most cases, you can eat normally after the numbness wears off. Some patients choose softer foods initially if there is sensitivity, but normal eating habits usually resume quickly. Avoiding extremely hard or abrasive foods right after treatment can make the first day more comfortable.
Because periodontal pockets trap bacteria that contribute to unpleasant breath, addressing these areas with deep cleaning often leads to fresher breath. As the infection is reduced and gums begin to heal, many patients notice that lingering odors decrease, which can improve confidence and comfort in social situations.
Healthy gums after treatment will appear firmer, less red, and less prone to bleeding when brushing or flossing. Pocket depths should also decrease over time. Regular check-ups and periodontal measurements are the best way to track progress, so your dental team can adjust care as needed.
Yes, if gum disease recurs or pockets deepen again, scaling and root planing can be repeated along with periodontal maintenance. Continued monitoring and excellent home care help determine the frequency and type of treatment that best supports your gum health long term.