Everyone has a film (plaque) that covers their teeth that is formed by saliva, proteins, and bacteria in the mouth. Every time you eat, tiny sugars, acids, and particles can become stuck on this film. These remnants can typically be removed by brushing, flossing, and scheduling regular dental cleanings. However, if allowed to build up over time, this plaque can harden and turn into tartar (also known as calculus). Bacteria in this tartar eventually leads to the development of gum disease, which can result in tooth decay, tooth loss, and other health issues.
Although practicing good oral hygiene habits at home (brushing, flossing, scheduling regular cleanings) can help prevent this plaque buildup from occurring, there are times when buildup has become so significant that traditional methods are not enough. Patients who have excessive plaque buildup and/or gum disease may require a scale and root planing in san rafael ca procedure to correct the issue.
How Does Scale and Root Planing Work?
Unlike a standard dental cleaning that is performed at your regular dental checkups, scaling and root planing goes much deeper than simply cleaning the surfaces of your teeth. Dental scaling involves carefully removing tartar that has hardened on the surface of your teeth below your gum line. This tartar can be removed using a dental scaler and curette (an instrument designed to remove the plaque that has developed where your toothbrush cannot reach) or with an ultrasonic instrument that chips away the tartar using a vibrating metal tip and flushing the tartar out of the pocket using a water spray.
Once the scaling process is complete and the tartar has been removed, the surface of the roots are smoothed out or “planed”. Creating this smooth surface makes it difficult for bacteria to adhere, which in turn allows your gums the time they need to heal and reattach properly.
Scaling and root planing may be completed in one or two visits, depending upon the severity of your case. The procedure is typically divided into four quadrants or two halves in your mouth. Patients who only have one or two quadrants that need to be corrected will typically only require one visit, whereas patients who need three or all four quadrants to be corrected may require two separate visits or one longer visit.
What Does Scaling and Root Planing Feel Like?
There is some discomfort involved in having the scale and root planing procedure performed, especially for patients who have sensitive gums. To help minimize or eliminate procedural pain, your periodontist will typically administer a local anesthetic, and if necessary, provide you with dental sedation. If concern over discomfort or pain is preventing you from having a scaling and root planing procedure performed, it is important to remember that avoiding having this treatment and allowing your periodontal disease to progress places you at greater risk of developing more severe oral and health issues, whose treatment options will likely be significantly more painful then the scale and root planing procedure.
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