Clarifying doubts about scaling the roots to treat periodontal disease

24/09/2024 General Dentistry

Tartar and dirt don’t just accumulate on the visible surface of your teeth, but can also reach below the gums. “Scaling the roots” to keep teeth clean and strengthen the roots is therefore an essential dental procedure that shouldn’t be overlooked. 

Root scaling is a dental treatment that needs to be performed regularly. The dentist uses special tools to remove tartar and dirt from the surface of the teeth and below the gums to reduce gingivitis and maintain overall oral health. If you’re interested in root scaling and want to know more about how often it should be done, whether it hurts, and how to take care of yourself afterward, keep reading! 

What is root planing

Root planing is a procedure to remove microorganisms, tartar, and plaque that accumulate deep below the surface of the tooth roots and the inflamed tissues under the gums. The dentist typically starts by removing tartar from the visible surface of the teeth. Then, specialized periodontal tools, such as a curette and sickle, are used to scrape off any remaining tartar and thoroughly clean the roots below the gum line. During root planing, the dentist usually administers a local anesthetic because the process can be quite painful. 

Should all teeth be root planed?

It depends on the dentist’s discretion whether to perform root planing on just a few teeth or on the entire mouth, based on the patient’s dental health. If the patient has multiple teeth with severe periodontal disease, it may be necessary to root plane several teeth. However, the dentist will typically spread out the procedure over multiple sessions, and it is not necessary to do it all in one visit. 

Benefits of Root Planing

• Treats patients with periodontal disease (where the periodontal tissues are damaged, extending to the bone of the tooth socket) 

• Helps resolve issues such as gum inflammation, gum recession, or loose teeth caused by periodontal disease 

• Reduces bad breath caused by the accumulation of bacteria 

• Assists patients in maintaining better oral health 

• Prevents the development of periodontal disease 

• Strengthens teeth and gums because the tooth surfaces are smooth, free of tartar, and bacteria buildup 

How Root Planing Differs from Scaling

Scaling is the process of removing tartar that has accumulated on the teeth above or just slightly below the gumline. The dentist uses a scaler tool to remove the tartar, which often produces noise and uses a lot of water. No anesthesia is needed because it isn’t painful, though some people may feel slight sensitivity in their teeth. 

Root planing, on the other hand, involves removing tartar or other deposits from the root surfaces of the teeth and inflamed tissue under the gums. This process typically requires more than one session, and the dentist will administer a local anesthetic before each procedure as it can be quite painful. 

Steps of Root Planing

• Evaluate the Periodontal Pockets and X-ray: The dentist will measure the depth of the periodontal pockets and take X-rays to assess the severity of the disease. 

• Scaling the Teeth: The dentist will remove tartar from the tooth surfaces and the gum line. 

• Administer Local Anesthesia: Anesthesia will be applied to make the root surface clean and smooth, and then the dentist will scrape away the tartar, typically section by section or half of the mouth at a time. 

• Surgical Intervention (if necessary): In cases of severe periodontal disease, gum surgery may be required to access deeper areas. This depends on the dentist’s professional judgment. 

• Follow-up: The dentist will monitor the results to check if the oral and gum health have improved. 

Post-Root Planing Care Instructions

• Tooth Sensitivity: After the procedure, most patients experience tooth sensitivity, which is normal and should subside within 1-2 weeks. You can use toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth to help alleviate discomfort. 

• Minor Bleeding and Swelling: You may notice slight bleeding along the gumline and some swelling, which is normal. 

• Follow-up Appointments: Be sure to visit your dentist for follow-up visits to monitor your progress. 

• Maintain Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth at least twice a day, use dental floss, and rinse with mouthwash at least once a day to reduce tartar buildup. 

• Soft Food Diet: In the initial period after treatment, eat soft foods and avoid very hot, cold, or hard foods. 

• Regular Dental Check-ups: Schedule dental check-ups every 6 months for routine oral health monitoring. 

• Avoid Smoking: It is recommended to avoid smoking, as it can affect healing.