Healthy gums are the foundation of a healthy smile. While brushing and flossing at home are essential to maintaining oral health, sometimes deeper cleaning is needed to address early signs of gum disease. That’s where scaling and root planing comes in: a non-surgical treatment designed to restore gum health by removing buildup beneath the surface.
At Wyngate Dental of Bethesda, we offer this service with great care and precision, focusing on comfort, prevention, and long-term wellness. If you’ve been told you need scaling and root planing, or if you’re wondering what it involves, this guide will help you understand the process and when it’s recommended.
What Is Scaling and Root Planing?
Scaling and root planing is a specialized dental procedure used to treat gum disease, particularly periodontitis or advanced gingivitis. Unlike a routine cleaning that focuses on the visible surfaces of your teeth, this treatment targets areas below the gumline.
- Scaling involves removing plaque and tartar (hardened buildup) from the teeth and from beneath the gumline, where bacteria can accumulate and lead to inflammation.
- Root planing smooths out the surfaces of the tooth roots, making it more difficult for bacteria to reattach and giving the gums a chance to heal and reattach to the teeth.
This procedure is often referred to as a “deep cleaning” and may be done in one or more appointments, depending on the extent of treatment needed.
Why Is It Necessary?
Gum disease develops when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, is not removed effectively. Over time, this bacteria can irritate the gums, causing them to pull away from the teeth and form pockets where even more bacteria can thrive. If not addressed early, this can lead to bone loss, loose teeth, and even tooth loss.
Scaling and root planing is the first line of defense against this progression. By removing the irritants and allowing the gums to heal, this procedure can stop the advancement of gum disease and help restore a healthy, stable foundation for your teeth.
You may need scaling and root planing if you’ve been diagnosed with:
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Receding gums
- Deep gum pockets (typically greater than 4 millimeters)
- Persistent bad breath
- Loose or shifting teeth
- A buildup of tartar below the gumline
Your dentist may also recommend this treatment if standard cleanings are no longer sufficient to maintain gum health.
What to Expect During Treatment
At Wyngate Dental of Bethesda, we take extra steps to ensure your comfort throughout the process. Local anesthesia may be used to numb the treatment area, especially if deeper scaling is required. The procedure is performed using precision instruments and sometimes ultrasonic tools to carefully clean and smooth the roots of your teeth.
Because this treatment addresses more than a standard cleaning, it may be completed in sections, often over two or more visits. Afterward, your gums may feel slightly tender or sensitive, but this typically resolves within a few days. We’ll provide instructions for post-treatment care, including gentle brushing, warm saltwater rinses, and possible use of antimicrobial mouthwash.
Long-Term Benefits
The goal of scaling and root planing is to halt the progression of gum disease and preserve your natural teeth for the long term. With healthy gums, you’re less likely to experience discomfort, inflammation, or tooth loss down the road.
In many cases, this procedure helps shrink gum pockets and allows the gum tissue to reattach more firmly to the tooth surface, reducing the need for more invasive treatment later. It also supports your overall health, as untreated gum disease has been linked to systemic concerns such as heart disease, diabetes, and more.
Modern Dentistry, Personalized to You in Bethesda
Scaling and root planing is a proactive, non-surgical solution for patients showing signs of gum disease. When performed with care and precision, it not only restores oral health but also prevents more serious issues in the future.
At Wyngate Dental of Bethesda, we approach every aspect of care with your comfort and well-being in mind. If you’ve been experiencing gum symptoms or have questions about your periodontal health, we welcome you to call 301-530-8008 and schedule a consultation with our team. Early intervention can make all the difference and we’re here to help you protect your smile every step of the way.