The 3 W’s of Scaling and Root Planing

November 28, 2017

Gum disease is an incredibly common chronic disease. It can progress to serious stages that may lead to pain, loss of gum tissue, loss of teeth and bone, and even increase your risk of developing heart disease, stroke, and more. Gum disease is preventable, treatable, and even reversible in its earliest stages. Scaling and root planing is a deep, periodontal cleaning that can stop gum disease from progressing into the dangerous stages. What is scaling and root planing? Who needs it? Why is it important? These are the three W’s of scaling and root planing. 

What Is Scaling and Root Planing?

Scaling and Root Planing is a non-surgical procedure done to treat gum disease. Depending on the stage of your gum disease, the procedure may take multiple visits or you may need to keep doing them as a maintenance procedure. Scaling involves thoroughly scaling all plaque, bacteria, and tartar deposits from your teeth, gums, and root surfaces. Root planing is the smoothing of all rough areas on your roots’ surfaces. Smooth root surfaces keep bacteria, plaque and tartar from attaching underneath the gumline again. This allows for your gums to heal and reattach themselves more firmly.

Who Needs It?

Gingivitis, the earliest form of gum disease, is the inflammation of your gum tissue. If you have it, your gums may be red, puffy, and bleed when brushing or flossing. The bacteria that builds up beneath your gumline is what causes the inflammation and possible infection. At this earliest stage, the scaling and root planing may reverse the gum disease. However, if the gum disease has progressed past gingivitis into periodontitis or advanced periodontal disease, the scaling and root planing may be the way to keep it from causing further health problems. Advanced gum disease can be painful and it may be marked by receding gums.

Why Is It Important?

Gum disease is a disease that will not get better on its own. It will continue to worsen until it is treated. Scaling and root planing is a way to defend against the serious complications that can be caused by gum disease.

Scaling and Root Planing Can Treat Gum Disease.

Can a scaling and root planing protect your smile from gum disease? To schedule a consultation for your child or children, call E-Care Dentistry, PA in Olathe, KS, today at 913-210-1701. We also proudly serve patients from Overland Park, Lenexa, Leawood, Gardner, and all surrounding communities.