Everything You Need to Know About Dental Scaling and Planing

Next time you schedule an appointment with your dentist you might want to enquire about scaling and planning, especially if you’ve ever been at risk of gum disease. It’s a procedure that not many people know about, and yet it can improve the health of your teeth and gums and is entirely pain-free. This way, you will be less likely to be in need of an emergency dentist as you’ll be having a regular procedure that protects your teeth!

That’s why we’ve put together this quick guide covering everything you need to know.

What Do Scaling and Planing Involve?

Though performed at the same time, scaling and root planning are two separate procedures.

• The process of scaling involves a dentist from wichita family dentistry or similar clinics to get rid of plaque and calculus from tooth surfaces above and below the gum line. This is done using ultrasonic scaling tools which eliminate unwanted compounds and deliver antimicrobial agents below the gums.
• Root planing removes cementum and surface dentin that is infested with unhealthy microorganisms. It also smooths the root of each tooth, which helps decrease inflammation and makes it easier for your gums to heal.

How Does Scaling and Root Planing Feel?

People often assume that these procedures are going to be painful, but that’s not the case. If you go to the right Dentist DTC clinic, then you shouldn’t have problems with the procedure. To start with, before your dentist begins the process, a numbing agent will be used to ensure you feel no pain at all. At most, all you’ll experience is an unusual sense of pressure as the dentist scales and planes – you may also experience a touch of discomfort simply from holding your mouth open for so long. All in all, scaling and planning are absolutely nothing to worry about.

How Will You Feel After Scaling and Root Planing?

This is a deep clean, so your gums may feel swollen or tender for a day or two after the procedure – this might be slightly unpleasant, but it shouldn’t get in the way of normal eating, drinking, and brushing. Some people experience sensitivity for a few days, which can be prevented by switching to a desensitizing toothpaste. If you’re prone to infection, you may be prescribed a certain medication or mouthwash by your dentist.

Scaling and root planing help you to have good overall oral hygiene, so make sure you have a chat with your dentist to book an appointment.