What Is Scaling and Root Planing?

Posted on 8/1/2024 by Dental Haven

Photo of Scaling and Root Planing being done at Dental Haven in Appleton, WI

If you are like millions of other adults in the United States, you are in a constant battle with gum disease, otherwise known as periodontal disease. Gum disease is one of the most common non-infectious diseases that adults can get, and the cleaner you can keep your teeth and gums, the better for your oral health. Here is some information on a deep-cleaning dental procedure called scaling and root planing that can help keep your gums as healthy as possible.

A Little About Gum Disease

Periodontal disease is a gum infection. Your mouth has bacteria all of the time because they help you break down food for digestion. Good mouth bacteria aid in digestion, but you have bad bacteria as well that can cause cavities in your teeth and an infection in your gums.

Periodontal disease, or gum disease, has three stages. The mildest form, gingivitis, causes your gums to bleed when you brush them. Your gums can also become swollen and discolored. At this stage of gum disease, your infection can be cured. However, once you reach stages two and three of gum disease, you cannot cure it. Instead, your goal is to keep your gums as healthy as possible. That is why you need to do deep gum cleaning.

What Happens With a Deep Gum Cleaning?

Deep gum cleaning is called scaling. Our dentist uses a tool that reaches the tartar and plaque above and below the gumline, using ultrasound vibrations to shake the tartar loose. Deep cleaning is very important, especially if you have spaces in between your teeth and gums. These spaces or pockets need to be cleaned to clear out any debris or infection.

What Is Root Planing?

Our dentist wants you to keep your natural teeth. One way to ensure that your teeth stay rooted to your jawbone is to check your teeth to make sure no tooth roots are showing. If the roots are showing, our dentist will help the roots connect again to your jawbone through your gums.

If you are worried about your teeth and gums, we can help. Contact us today to arrange an appointment.

Gentle Dental Care

Phone

(920) 939-7150

Text

(920) 739-6808

Address

2612 E Calumet St.
Appleton, WI 54915

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frontdesk@dentalhavenwi.com

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Tues & Thurs: 8:00am - 5:00pm
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Dental Haven - Dr Gonzalo Hernandez and Dr Alexandra Wetzel, 2612 E. Calumet Street, Appleton, WI 54915-4104 - (920) 939-7150 - dentalhavenwi.com - 12/6/2024 - Related Terms: dentist Appleton WI -