Scale & Root Planing Risks
As with most treatments, there are some risks associated with dental scaling and root planing. That having been said, keep in mind the biggest risk to your teeth and overall health is not having this recommended treatment. In this segment, we will list and discuss the possible risks to consider. Your dentist will discuss anything that may cause concern before determining if scaling and root planing is the best treatment option to bring your mouth back to a healthy status.
Some risks may include:
- An adverse reaction to anesthetic: It is important to make sure your dentist is up to date with your most current medical conditions and knows what medications you are taking. This information will help them know what anesthetic is best for you and lessen the likelihood that you will have any issues.
- Postoperative symptoms: A couple of things to expect after treatment include bleeding during brushing and flossing and gum tissue inflammation. These can be uncomfortable but will subside within a few days. Over the counter pain medications may be taken to lessen your discomfort.
- Exposed root surface: Gum recession is a result of periodontal disease and leads to exposed roots. Often those root surfaces are covered in plaque, which is removed during scaling and root planing. They can then become sensitive and need further treatment to repair the receded tissue.
- Increased tooth sensitivity: Temperature and sugar sensitivity is common with periodontal disease and can be exacerbated after scaling and root planing. It should lessen as your gum tissue heals and your overall oral health improves. Using oral care products with fluoride that are aimed at helping with tooth sensitivity can help. If sensitivity does not resolve, speak with your dentist to determine if you need further treatment.
- Tooth mobility or loss: Sometimes, an extreme, prolonged build-up of plaque can actually be all that is holding a tooth in place. When scaling removed that plaque, the tooth can become mobile and could even be lost. If this is the case, the tooth was hopeless at the start and would have needed to come out eventually. Your dentist can recommend treatment to replace a tooth using either a dental bridge or implant. Leaving plaque to hold a tooth in place only compromises the integrity of neighboring teeth.
Speak with your dentist if any of these risks concern you because allowing periodontal disease to go untreated will only serve to compromise your overall health. The risks of periodontal disease outweigh the risks of treatment and can lead to more issues in the future. Plaque build-up leads to gum recession, loss of jaw bone structure and eventually tooth loss. Prevention is less costly and less invasive than receiving treatment for the effects of periodontal disease, so be your own best advocate and follow through with recommended treatment. If you have extensive periodontal disease, your dentist may send you to a Periodontist for more specialized treatment.
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