Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and Root Planing: Your Path to Healthier Gums
If you’ve been diagnosed with gum disease, early treatment can make all the difference in protecting your oral health and your beautiful smile. At Schneider Family Dental, Dr. Matt Schneider offers scaling and root planing — a trusted, nonsurgical method to remove harmful bacteria and prevent tooth loss.
Our experienced team in Dublin proudly serves patients throughout the Columbus area, helping them restore healthy gums and preserve the foundation of their healthy teeth.
What is Scaling and Root Planing?
Scaling and root planing is often referred to as a deep cleaning. It’s more thorough than a regular dental visit and is recommended when there are signs of periodontal disease, such as gum inflammation, bleeding, or deep pockets forming along the gum line.
- Dental scaling removes built-up plaque, tartar, and calculus from above and below the gumline using special tools, including ultrasonic instruments.
- Root planing smooths out the tooth roots to help the gum tissue reattach and heal properly.
By addressing the film of bacteria and buildup on your teeth’s roots, this treatment significantly lowers the risk of bone loss and tooth loss associated with chronic periodontitis.
Why Might I Need Scaling and Root Planing?
If you experience symptoms such as redness, gum inflammation, bleeding while brushing or flossing, or a noticeable receding gum line, scaling and root planing may be recommended. These signs point to the early stage of gum disease, known as gingivitis, or the more advanced periodontitis.
Dr. Matt Schneider may measure the pocket depth around your teeth to determine if a deep cleaning is necessary. Treating gum disease early helps prevent serious complications, including bacteria entering the bloodstream and potentially leading to future tooth loss.
What to Expect During Your Deep Cleaning?
At Schneider Family Dental, your comfort is always a priority. We typically use a local anesthetic to numb the area before treatment, minimizing discomfort. If needed, ibuprofen can also help manage any mild soreness afterward.
- Periodontal scaling removes bacteria and calculus along the tooth roots.
- Root planing smooths rough areas where bacteria like to hide.
- A mouth rinse or antibiotics may be recommended to fight the infection further.
This nonsurgical treatment for chronic periodontitis is often performed over several appointments, depending on the severity of the periodontitis or the number of affected areas.
Following treatment, regular brushing, flossing, and a balanced diet are key to maintaining your results.
Protecting Your Smile After Scaling and Root Planing
After your deep cleaning, it’s essential to maintain good home care habits to prevent plaque and tartar from returning. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush, daily flossing, and attending every dental visit will help you maintain healthy gums.
We also encourage using an antibacterial mouth rinse as needed and scheduling professional cleanings every few months. Caring for your gums now helps protect your tooth enamel, preserve your implants, and support a lifetime of strong, healthy smiles.
Take the First Steps Toward Healthier Gums
If you’re noticing signs of gum disease or have been told you need scaling and root planing, Dr. Matt Schneider and the caring team at Schneider Family Dental are here to help. Our gentle, personalized approach to dentistry ensures you get the care you need to protect your smile for years to come. Call us at 614-889-2211 to schedule an appointment!
