Root planing and scaling for gum disease

Treatment Overview

Root planing and scaling is one of the most effective ways to treat gum disease before it becomes severe. Root planing and scaling cleans between the gums and the teeth down to the roots. Your dentist may need to use a local anesthetic to numb your gums and the roots of your teeth.

Some dentists and dental hygienists will use an ultrasonic tool for the planing and scaling. It is less uncomfortable than a standard scraping tool, but not all cleanings require this type of tool.

Your dentist may place antibiotic fibers into the pockets between your teeth and gums. The antibiotic will help speed healing and prevent infection. The dentist will remove the fibers about 1 week after the procedure.

What To Expect After Treatment

If anesthesia is used, your lips and gums may remain numb for a few hours. Planing and scaling causes little or no discomfort.

Why It Is Done

Root planing and scaling is done when gums have either started to pull away from the teeth or the roots of the teeth have hard mineral deposits (tartar) on them.

How Well It Works

If you maintain good dental care after the procedure, the progression of gum disease should stop, and your gums will heal and become firm and pink again.

Risks

Root planing and scaling can introduce harmful bacteria into the bloodstream. Gum tissue is also at risk of infection. You may need to take antibiotics before and after surgery if you have a condition that puts you at high risk for developing a severe infection, such as:

• Damaged or artificial heart valves.
• A congenital heart defect.
• An impaired immune system.
• Liver disease (cirrhosis).
• An artificial joint, such as a hip replacement.
• A history of bacterial endocarditis.

What To Think About

• Root planing and scaling is a simple procedure that can be very effective in stopping gum disease.
• Brush and floss regularly afterward. Without proper dental care, your gum disease may progress.
• To promote healing, stop all use of tobacco. It decreases your ability to fight infection of your gums and delays healing. For more information, see the topic Quitting Tobacco Use.

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Author:	Jeannette Curtis	Last Updated: August 24, 2007
Medical Review:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Steven K. Patterson, BSc, DDS, MPH - Dentist
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