What is the purpose of root planing?

Scaling and root planing is a treatment for gum disease that consists of a thorough cleaning below the gumline. While scaling eliminates plaque and tartar from below the gum line, root planing aims to smooth the tooth’s root and facilitate reattachment of the gums to the tooth. Root planing is essential for having healthy gums and teeth. 

Chronic periodontitis patients benefit from scaling and root planing, according to research published in the American Dental Association journal in July 2015.  In the United States, 47.2% of individuals over 30 are affected by chronic periodontitis. 

Teeth scaling and root planing help minimize the pockets between teeth and gums, preventing the loss of teeth, bone, and tissue that comes with chronic periodontal disease. 

How can Root Planing help?

Root planning is primarily a preventive and standalone treatment for periodontal disease. The following are some of the reasons why you should seek root planning: 

• Disease prevention:

Bacteria present in periodontal infection can move to other body parts via circulation. Root planning halts the progression of periodontal disease and prevents the spread of infection. 

• Teeth protection:

In gums, the body responds with a chronic inflammatory response that can destroy the gum tissues and bone. This process can eventually lead to tooth and bone loss. Scaling and root planing may slow the spread of periodontal disease and safeguard teeth. 

• Treat bad breath:

One of the most commonly found symptoms of periodontal disease is foul breath. Food particles and germs in the mouth can contribute to poor breath. Root planning removes odor-causing particles from the oral cavity, resulting in less bad breath.

When do you need Root Planing?

Root planning can become necessary for various reasons, such as:

• Oral hygiene issues

Poor oral hygiene can cause tooth cavities, heart disease, gum disease, diabetes, and cancer. Maintaining healthy teeth and gums is a rewarding effort. 

• Plaque and Calculus Removal Errors

You might endanger your enamel during the scaling process. Underneath tartar and plaque is your tooth’s enamel, which, although the most rigid substance in the human body, can be readily harmed using sharp tartar removal instruments. 

• Inherited Susceptibility

A genetic predisposition (also known as genetic susceptibility) is an elevated risk of getting a specific disease due to a person’s genetic makeup. Distinct genetic differences frequently inherited from a parent cause genetic predisposition. 

• Smoking

Smoking is the most common cause of severe gum disease in the United States. It can cause your teeth to fall out in extreme circumstances. Gum disease begins when bacteria (germs) on your teeth enter your gums. If the germs remain on your teeth for an extended period, layers of plaque (film) and tartar (hardened plaque) form. 

• Presence of Systemic illness

Autoimmune, hematologic, endocrine, and neoplastic processes are systemic disorders with oral manifestations. Autoimmune illness can cause oral ulcers, salivary and parotid gland abnormalities, and tongue alterations. 

What is the experience after the Root Planing Procedure?

The risks associated with root planing are minimal. Following the treatment, you may be at risk for infection; therefore, your dentist may prescribe an antibiotic or mouthwash for a few days or weeks. Within a few weeks, the procedure’s adverse effects subside. If they do not, you should contact a dentist. 

After scaling and root planing, you must continue regular oral hygiene practices. This involves brushing at least twice each day and flossing often. Additionally, you should maintain a healthy, well-balanced diet and visit your dentist regularly for cleanings to prevent the disease from recurring.

Conclusion

Root planing is a popular treatment for chronic periodontal disease. Adults should get root planing procedures every six months as a preventative measure.  

Root planing is one of the most effective ways to manage gum disease before it becomes severe. Your dentist can conduct this outpatient treatment with or without a local anesthetic in their office. In some cases, you may require multiple appointments to finish the process.   

Contact your Fairfield dentist, Dr. Cheng Zhu, at Freedom Family Sedation Dentistry to know about the purpose of root planing.

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