Scaling and root planning
The goal of conventional periodontal treatment, otherwise known as scaling and root planing, non-surgical periodontal treatment, or dental prophylaxis is to take away or get rid of the etiologic agents that cause inflammation. Scaling and root planing are often referred to as deep cleaning.
Scaling:
Scaling is procedure that thoroughly removes contamination toxins, micro-organisms, plaque, tartar, cementum, dentin that is rough and/or permeated by calculus from around, below and under the gum line down to the bottom of the pocket. This is done to eliminate biofilm, calculus, and toxin down to the bottom of each periodontal pocket in order to achieve a healing response.
Root Planing:
Root planing involves smoothing the root surfaces of your teeth with thin curettes so gum tissue can more safely reattach to roots that are clean and soft to avoid tooth loss and sensitivity problems. The process makes it more hard for plaque to accumulate along the root surfaces.
Because this method goes deeper than a regular cleaning, your mouth might be numbed. The cleaning may take two visits to complete. Depending on the extent of the disease you may need one or more sections (quadrants) of the mouth to be treated with scaling and root planing. Treatment may require one or more visits.
Root planing and scaling for gum disease:
Non-surgical therapy removes plaque and calculus by controlling the development of harmful bacteria and by treating conditions that encourage gum disease. This type of treatment may be all that's needed, especially when periodontal disease is caught early. You may also need to have certain procedures, such as replacing worn fillings or crowns with overhanging margins that can accumulate plaque, taken care of before periodontal therapy can begin.
Root planing and scaling is one of the most efficient ways to treat gum disease before it gets 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. This tool is not as uncomfortable as a standard scraping tool, but not all cleanings involve this type of tool.Dentist may also 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.
Post Operative Instructions: Scaling and Root Planing
Oral Hygiene: Rinse your mouth 2-3 times per day with warm salt water (one teaspoon of salt to 8 ounces of water). Start home care, as instructed, immediately.
Discomfort: Your gums may become "achy" and a couple of Advil will eliminate any discomfort. Sensitivity to cold may temporarily occur.
Eating: Your next meal must be soft. Avoid any hard, crunchy foods like potato chips, snacks, etc. for the next 3-4 days. Avoid extreme temps and highly spiced food if you can.
Swelling: Swelling or jaw tautness occur very rarely however, if it does, place warm wet towels to the face in the spot of stiffness.
Smoking: Please do not smoke following scaling and root planning procedures. Tobacco smoke is an irritant to healing. Refrain from smoking for 24 hours or longer.
Cosmetic Procedures:::
In addition to procedures to treat periodontal disease, various periodontists also perform cosmetic procedures to enrich your smile. Oftentimes, patients who pursue cosmetic procedures observe improved function as well. Cosmetic procedures include Crown Lengthening, Soft Tissue Grafts, Ridge Augmentation.
Scaling:
Scaling is procedure that thoroughly removes contamination toxins, micro-organisms, plaque, tartar, cementum, dentin that is rough and/or permeated by calculus from around, below and under the gum line down to the bottom of the pocket. This is done to eliminate biofilm, calculus, and toxin down to the bottom of each periodontal pocket in order to achieve a healing response.
Root Planing:
Root planing involves smoothing the root surfaces of your teeth with thin curettes so gum tissue can more safely reattach to roots that are clean and soft to avoid tooth loss and sensitivity problems. The process makes it more hard for plaque to accumulate along the root surfaces.
Because this method goes deeper than a regular cleaning, your mouth might be numbed. The cleaning may take two visits to complete. Depending on the extent of the disease you may need one or more sections (quadrants) of the mouth to be treated with scaling and root planing. Treatment may require one or more visits.
Root planing and scaling for gum disease:
Non-surgical therapy removes plaque and calculus by controlling the development of harmful bacteria and by treating conditions that encourage gum disease. This type of treatment may be all that's needed, especially when periodontal disease is caught early. You may also need to have certain procedures, such as replacing worn fillings or crowns with overhanging margins that can accumulate plaque, taken care of before periodontal therapy can begin.
Root planing and scaling is one of the most efficient ways to treat gum disease before it gets 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. This tool is not as uncomfortable as a standard scraping tool, but not all cleanings involve this type of tool.Dentist may also 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.
Post Operative Instructions: Scaling and Root Planing
Oral Hygiene: Rinse your mouth 2-3 times per day with warm salt water (one teaspoon of salt to 8 ounces of water). Start home care, as instructed, immediately.
Discomfort: Your gums may become "achy" and a couple of Advil will eliminate any discomfort. Sensitivity to cold may temporarily occur.
Eating: Your next meal must be soft. Avoid any hard, crunchy foods like potato chips, snacks, etc. for the next 3-4 days. Avoid extreme temps and highly spiced food if you can.
Swelling: Swelling or jaw tautness occur very rarely however, if it does, place warm wet towels to the face in the spot of stiffness.
Smoking: Please do not smoke following scaling and root planning procedures. Tobacco smoke is an irritant to healing. Refrain from smoking for 24 hours or longer.
Cosmetic Procedures:::
In addition to procedures to treat periodontal disease, various periodontists also perform cosmetic procedures to enrich your smile. Oftentimes, patients who pursue cosmetic procedures observe improved function as well. Cosmetic procedures include Crown Lengthening, Soft Tissue Grafts, Ridge Augmentation.
Source...