Is Scale and Root Planing Painful?

Being diagnosed with periodontal disease is not ideal but when it happens, scaling and root planing is a step in the right direction. Periodontal disease can lead to gum recession, bone loss, and eventually tooth loss. Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical procedure performed by either your dentist or your dental hygienist over the course of a couple of appointments. Below we will discuss when it may be necessary and what you can expect during and after treatment.

When is Dental Scaling Necessary?

Scaling can greatly reduce gum irritation and recession. Left untreated, gums can recede and may require surgery. Scaling and root planing can help you avoid needing a gum graft or pinhole surgery to repair receded gums. It is much less costly and less invasive option.

Tools Used During Scaling and Root Planing

Your provider will give you an injection in the area to be treated so that you are properly numb. They will then proceed with scaling using these two tools:

• Manual instruments: Dental scalers and excavators are used to manually remove plaque build-up and bacteria from below the gum line. Your provider will be able to feel the surface of your teeth and make sure that those surfaces are smooth and not rough.
• Ultrasonic instruments: This tool uses a scaling tip that vibrates and sprays water. The vibrations help scrape the plaque loose and the water spray flushes the scaled plaque out of the pocket.

Is Scaling Painful?

While you may experience some discomfort in the days immediately following scaling, your dentist or hygienist will administer a local anesthetic in the area(s) being worked on so that you are numb and do not have pain during treatment. Typically, only one side of the mouth is done at a time so that you do not have your entire mouth numb at once so your scaling will take at least a couple of visits. This is also nice so you will not have your mouth open for too extensive a time. You may also be given the option to spread your treatment out over four visits, completing one quadrant at a time.

After your treatment, it is normal to feel some sensitivity especially to cold temperatures. Your gums may also feel and appear slightly swollen but all of this will go away as you recover and your gums heal. Be gentle while brushing and flossing and use an antibacterial mouthwash. If you like, a warm saltwater rinse might feel nice and will help keep everything clean.

Before Scaling and Root Planing

Patients that have heart disease, artificial joints and other medical conditions may need to premedicate with antibiotics before having this deep cleaning done. Make sure your dentist is up to date with your current medical history.

Once you have completed scaling and root planing treatment, it is important to keep up with regular, more frequent cleanings with your dental office. Make sure you are consistent with your home care to keep your fresh new smile healthy!

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