Cleaning teeth is a vital part of regular dental care, but there’s more to it than you might realize. At home, you can (and should) clean your teeth at least twice every day, and during your checkup and cleaning appointments, your hygienist can do so more thoroughly. But such dental cleanings only focus on the visible parts of your teeth called crowns, which extend above your gums.
When oral bacteria, plaque, and tartar form on your teeth’s roots, cleaning them is not as simple, since teeth roots rest below your gums. Deep cleaning, or scaling and root planing, can remove the buildup, and often, we can perform ultrasonic scaling and root planing for quicker, more comfortable results.
Signs that You Need Scaling & Root Planing
Gingivitis is the clinical name for early gum disease, and describes the infection that results when plaque and tartar gather underneath your gums. Scaling and root planing are recommended when gingivitis is present to remove the bacteria and infection, and you might need the procedure if you notice any of the following symptoms;
- Dark areas of gum tissue
- Bleeding gums
- Sensitive teeth and/or gums
- Persistently bad breath
- Loose teeth
- Noticeable gum recession (separation from your teeth)
Benefits of Ultrasonic Scaling
Because scaling and root planing are more complex than regular dental cleaning, the procedure usually requires more than one visit. To reduce discomfort, your dentist will administer local anesthesia before the procedure begins. To further minimize discomfort, we also perform ultrasonic root scaling and planing, which utilizes ultrasonic technology to debride teeth roots more comfortably and effectively.
