What Is Scaling and Root Planing?
Do you have chronic bad breath, bleeding, inflamed gums, and/or a receding gum line? Have you ever been told that you need a periodontal treatment called scaling and root planing? Our experienced dental teams at Made Ya Smile Dental in Kingwood, TX can diagnose and treat periodontal disease. One of the most common treatments is periodontal scaling and root planing (SRP). This service can halt the progression of active periodontal disease as bacteria is trapped deep within a gum pocket. In an attempt to clean out infected pockets and change the surface of the tooth and roots, SRP assists in the reattachment of the roots to the tooth and reduces the size of an inflamed pocket. Let's have a chat about your signs of periodontal disease and what advanced techniques we can provide to you to get it under control. Schedule your Made Ya Smile Dental appointment today.
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When Is Scaling and Root Planing Needed?
We will determine if you are a candidate for root scraping by examining a consultation appointment before a treatment can be scheduled. We will take digital x-rays to look for infection and bone loss. Measurements of each gum pocket will be taken and noted in your dental record. We can use these numbers to see if there is an improvement after treatment. A healthy gum pocket is less than 3 mm in depth. Anything deeper than 3 mm indicates a greater chance of periodontal disease. Other signs you may report are:
- An inflamed gum line
- Bad breath all the time
- Bleeding gums when you brush and floss
- Gum recession
- Infection
- Pus pockets on the gums
- Swelling
If you suspect that you have periodontal disease, it is best to have treatments in the earlier stages to prevent bone loss and more expensive and invasive dental services. Contact our office to schedule a periodontal scaling and root planing near you.
What Can I Expect With Scaling and Root Planing?
Once diagnosed with periodontal disease, we will want to get you in for treatments as soon as possible. If you would like to request sedation options for your scaling and root planing in Kingwood, TX, we can make arrangements for oral-conscious or nitrous oxide sedation. We can also numb the area locally with an anesthetic. Using special ultrasonic and scaling instruments to clear out pockets and treat both the roots and the tooth surface. To flush bacteria out of your periodontal pockets, we do so by injecting antibiotics into the pocket. For best results, you may need to have more than one SRP treatment to clear up the infection and heal your gums. We do this to stop the progressive bone loss that periodontal infections can cause in your gums.
Recovery After Scaling and Root Planing Therapy
After root scraping (SRP), please refrain from eating until you are no longer numb from the appointment. You will feel sensitivity in your teeth and gums for a few days after this type of treatment. Besides following all of your dentist's recommendations on how to care for your diseased gums, the best thing you can do for your oral health is to be consistent in brushing and flossing your teeth. You will have follow-up appointments to consistently remove bacteria, plaque, and tartar from your teeth and to chart the progress of the disease. Many patients are asked to return to the dentist every 3 – 4 months because this assists in the healing of the gum pockets. If the extra cleanings and treatments are not helping your periodontal disease, your dentist will advise you on how to proceed.
Is Scaling and Root Planing Covered by Insurance?
While we do offer third-party financing through CareCredit®, we also have several options to accompany what your dental insurance will cover for scaling and root planing in Kingwood, TX. Like other treatments, we can submit a claim to the insurance provider and get you confirmation that SRP is covered and at what percentage you will need to pay out-of-pocket.
Scaling and Root Planning FAQ
Does scaling and root planing hurt?
Scaling and root planing is usually completed through a series of appointments. This is to ensure each area of the mouth is healed before moving to the next. While performing this procedure, a local anesthetic is used. While it won't hurt during the scaling and root planing in Kingwood, TX, you may experience some soreness for a few days afterward.
What are some specific scaling and root planning home care instructions to follow?
Some general homecare instructions after a root scraping include only chewing until you have a normal feeling in your mouth (if anesthesia was used). It is also recommended that you brush your teeth gently the first night after your procedure and eat only soft foods for the first two or three days. Request an appointment for more information about scaling and root planing in Kingwood, TX.
What not to do after scaling teeth?
Do not use tobacco products for at least the first three days after scaling and root planing. It is also recommended that you avoid spicy foods and alcohol until you've completely healed. Don't stop taking any antibiotics that were prescribed, even if symptoms have improved.
What can you eat after scaling and root planning?
A soft diet of foods like apple sauce, yogurt, soups, mashed potatoes, or something similar is ideal after the scaling and root planing procedure. If you have additional questions about periodontal scaling and root planing near you, contact our dental office.
Nonsurgical Gum Disease Treatment
Our dental team at Made Ya Smile Dental in Kingwood understands how a diagnosis of gum disease may feel like bad news — especially when early treatments do not seem to be working. By taking the extra steps to have SRP added into your treatment, you are doing exactly what you need to do to get healthier gums. Contact our friendly Made Ya Smile Dental practice in Kingwood, TX today to schedule a periodontal scaling and root planing near you.
