Categories: Periodontics

Why Do I Need Scaling and Root Planing Instead of a Regular Cleaning?

Wondering what the difference is between a regular dental cleaning procedure and a scaling and root planing procedure? Keeping gum disease at bay is important for all dental patients. Periodontists are dental specialists who focus on preventing, diagnosing and treating gum disease.

About periodontists

Thinking about your upcoming scaling and root planing procedure? Periodontists are dental specialists who have additional training in order to help patients experiencing gum-related dental problems. If it is determined that a patient needs scaling and root planning, it simply means they need a deep cleaning rather than a regular cleaning. How often regular cleanings occur depends on each individual patient; regular dental cleanings can be performed every three months, every six months, every nine months or every 12 months.

When scaling and root planing is necessary

The scaling and root planing procedure is for patients who have spaces between their gums and teeth that are too deep for a regular dental cleaning to reach. According to the American Dental Association, plaque gets trapped in these spaces and cannot be removed with regular brushing; if left untreated, it could lead to bone and tooth loss. This condition requires some dental patients to undergo a scaling and root planing procedure to remove any built-up plaque below the gumline. This deep-cleaning procedure also helps remove any bacteria in the mouth, which is important to one's overall oral and general health.

When a regular dental cleaning is necessary

Regular dental cleanings are for patients who only need their teeth cleaned at or above the gumline. This type of dental cleaning procedure should be performed on a regular basis to help maintain the health of one’s gums. This routine dental procedure uses special tools to remove any plaque or tartar buildup on a patient's teeth and helps ensure that the patient's teeth are not going to be negatively affected by any plaque or tartar buildup.

How gum disease can affect one’s health

Dental patients who are diagnosed with gum disease have inflammation and a buildup of bacteria in their mouths. Bacteria and inflammation can certainly cause gum and teeth-related problems, but they can also cause other types of health problems. If left untreated, gum disease will eventually destroy the bone structures that support one's teeth, ultimately leading to tooth loss, and has the potential to cause problems for one's general health—including heart disease, diabetes, dementia and rheumatoid arthritis.

Bottom line

Scaling and root planing procedures are often necessary to improve the overall health of a patient's gums. Good gum health is essential to good mouth health, which means patients need to undergo regular dental cleanings. When a patient learns that they are in need of a deep cleaning, it simply means that they are in need of cleaning beneath their gumline. Patients who avoid professional dental cleanings will often experience dental problems, like gum disease and cavities.

Request an appointment here: https://www.torreyhillsperio.com or call Torrey Hills Periodontal Group at (858) 925-1188 for an appointment in our San Diego office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Scaling and Root Planing in San Diego, CA.

Recent Posts

Understanding Gum Recession: Causes And Risk Factors

Gum recession is a common dental problem where gum tissue pulls away from the teeth and can cause serious oral health problems if untreated. This condition can also affect the appearance of a person's smile, and cause tooth sensitivity and increased risk of cavities. To prevent gum recession and to act promptly, one needs to…

What Is Dental Crown Lengthening?

Dental crown lengthening is a procedure that aims to contour gum tissue at the base of a tooth. Oftentimes, the goal is to perform this procedure to make one's smile appear straighter, thus solving cosmetic imperfections. In other cases, dental crown lengthening is done in order to secure the base of a dental crown that…

The Process Of Getting A Dental Implant From A Periodontist

Are you considering getting a dental implant from a periodontist? Dental implants, also known as endosseous implants or fixtures, are a great solution for people who have lost teeth due to injury, disease, or decay. They can provide a long-term, stable solution for replacing missing teeth, and the process of getting an implant from a…

How A Periodontist Can Help With Receding Gums

A periodontist can help improve gum recession. This is one of the first signs of gum disease. Seeing this dental care provider early can help you target the problem with the necessary treatment. Here are the details on how a periodontist can help fix receding gums.Getting a regular professional dental cleaning can remove the plaque…

Torrey Hills Periodontal Group

Share
Published by
Torrey Hills Periodontal Group

Recent Posts

Understanding Gum Recession: Causes and Risk Factors

In case the gums begin to recede, early intervention by a periodontist can prevent it…

3 weeks ago

What Is Dental Crown Lengthening?

There are a few important things to know before undergoing a crown lengthening procedure.

2 months ago

The Process of Getting a Dental Implant From a Periodontist

Patients who are missing teeth due to trauma, extraction, or periodontal disease may be good…

3 months ago

How a Periodontist Can Help With Receding Gums

Gum recession is an early sign of gum disease.

4 months ago

The Benefits of All-On-4

If you are interested in All-on-4 or think you may be an ideal treatment, continue…

5 months ago

When to See a Periodontist for a Tooth Extraction

Here are the details about when to see a periodontist for a tooth extraction.

6 months ago