SCALING AND ROOT PLANING
How is Scaling and Root Planing Different Than a Typical Cleaning?
Scaling and root planing is an important tool for removing plaque and tartar below the gum line. Because of the invasive nature of the procedure, regular cleanings don't go below the gumline. It is also not a procedure that every patient needs. Having regular cleanings and a proper at-home teeth cleaning regime will go a long ways in preventing the need for scaling and root planing; but, it may not fully prevent it. Below is a nice video showing how the procedure works.
The first component is to determine if scaling and root planing is even necessary. From the video, you can see that the first instrument used determines the depth of the pockets around the teeth. These measurements are made in millimeters, and the bigger the number, the worse the pocket is. We usually start talking about needing scaling and root planing at depth of 4mm and over. It's not an automatic thing, but it's something both the patient and provider will be paying attention to going forward.
Below is the perio chart for one the people who works at Swiss Biologic. As you can see below, the perio chart is a comprehensive accounting of the pocket depths, bone loss, plaque build up and bleeding of the gums. The combination of these factors is what the hygienist uses to determine if you have gum disease and whether scaling and root planing is necessary.​
Click Below to learn more:
Periodontal Disease
Did you know that over 40% of all Americans suffer from either moderate to severe periodontal disease?
​
Untreated periodontal disease can cause permanent bone loss in your teeth, bad breath, and the bacteria can enter the bloodstream and cause respiratory issues, rheumatoid arthritis, and other serious diseases.
Scaling and Root Planing Manages Periodontal Disease; but Doesn't Eliminate It
Once you have periodontal disease, it is here to stay. Regular cleanings certainly aid in the prevention of the spread of the disease, but those cleanings aren't magic. Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection and it is simply impossible to completely wipe out all of the bad bacteria in your mouth.
​
That being said, our office takes additional steps to destroy more of the harmful bacteria with ozone and lasers. These extra procedures aren't for show but have real positive effects by getting into spaces that the bacteria likes to hide in. Again, it's impossible to get it all, but the more we can get, the better off you and your gums will be.​
Periodontal Disease Can Be Exacerbated by External Factors
One thing we have noticed is that people who have had histories of good gum health can see a rapid deterioration out of the blue. There can be several reasons for this. A big one is the use of Invisalign type aligners. If you are using one, you may want to double or triple your efforts on keeping them clean. Improper cleaning can really cause havoc on your gums.
​
Another unfortunately unavoidable issue is age. We all get older, and the older we get, the more susceptible to periodontal disease we can be. The best thing to do is have a proper at home routine and to get your regular cleanings. All of this helps, but again, there is no magic cure.
​​
Click Below to learn more about our organic toothpastes and mouthwashes:
