What Is Scaling and Root Planing?

What Is Scaling and Root Planing?

If it’s been a long time since you last had your teeth professionally cleaned, chances are you’ve developed gum inflammation and infection, a condition known as periodontal disease. Your trusted team at Kraklow Quality Dentistry may recommend a deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing, to restore your gum health. We are all about ensuring our valued patients enjoy long-term healthy smiles.

How Does Periodontal (Gum) Disease Develop?

Poor oral hygiene is the leading cause of periodontal disease. Plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, continuously forms on the teeth. If not removed by regular brushing and flossing, the bacteria it houses can cause gum inflammation, a condition known as gingivitis. The good news is that dental cleanings at your dentist’s office and proper daily oral care have been shown to reverse this early stage of gum disease and restore your gum health.

Gingivitis, left untreated, may advance to a destructive form of the disease called periodontitis. As the condition progresses, the gums pull away from the teeth, leaving spaces called periodontal pockets, which provide an ideal environment for harmful oral bacteria to flourish. The toxins from the bacteria combined with the body’s response to infection result in the breaking down of the bone and tissue supporting the teeth, potentially causing tooth loss.

While poor oral hygiene is usually the cause of periodontal disease, other contributing factors include family history, smoking, the natural aging process, and misaligned teeth. Periodontal disease may also occur due to hormonal changes during pregnancy.

What Is Scaling and Root Planing?

Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical restorative procedure that helps prevent any further progression or damage resulting from periodontal disease. During treatment, our dental hygienist will scale your teeth, which involves removing plaque and tartar above and below the gum line and cleaning the pockets between the teeth. Root planing, on the other hand, involves cleaning and smoothing out the rough areas on the tooth roots to promote gum tissue healing and reattachment.

What Happens After a Scaling and Root Planing Procedure?

In most cases, Dr. Kraklow will recommend more frequent visits to our office for periodontal maintenance, typically every three months. Each appointment will include a dental cleaning and a thorough evaluation of your gum health to ensure the condition does not progress. You’ll also need to maintain meticulous oral hygiene practices at home, including daily brushing and flossing to ensure your smile stays free of disease.

Quality Dental Care in Milwaukee, WI

Visit Kraklow Quality Dentistry in Milwaukee, WI, to learn more about maintaining healthy gums for a lifetime. Our team is committed to providing quality periodontal services for long-term healthy smiles. Call us and schedule your appointment today!