5 Symptoms Indicating You Need Scaling and Root Planing

Scaling and Root Planing to Prevent Gum Disease

Scaling and Root planning is a more intensive form of dental cleaning that can help prevent early stages of gum disease from worsening. Scaling allows a dentist to clean away plaque that is under the gum line so that the gums can fit tightly around the tooth’s roots again. Knowing the symptoms and that you may be a candidate for the treatment “scaling teeth” is important because it can help you to prevent possible gum disease in the future.

Bleeding Gums

One of the earliest signs of plaque beneath the gum line is bleeding when you brush or flossing. Even if only a tiny dot of blood appears as you follow your daily hygiene routine, it’s a sign that bacteria are living below the gum line on a plaque deposit. Timely cleaning with scaling procedures eliminates the plaque so the bacteria can’t come back as long as you keep brushing and flossing.

Deep Pockets

During your routine cleanings every six months, your dentist or hygienist will use a small probe to check the depth of the gum tissue around your teeth. You need tight pockets to hold the roots of your teeth securely as you bite and chew. Most dentists recommend a scaling procedure on any tooth that returns more than a four millimeter reading during a checkup. Cleaning while a root pocket is just five or six millimeters can prevent root damage and tooth loss.

Inflamed Tissue

Aside from bleeding, you may also notice redness and swelling around certain teeth as the early stages of gingivitis develop. This is less serious than an abscess, but still indicates bacterial infection and irritation of the gum tissue. Scaling can remove the deposits and smooth out the tooth roots so that plaque can’t so easily settle in the same places in the future.

Visible Gum Recession

As gum pockets deepen and develop, you may notice the visible gum line shrinking or pulling back around the tooth. Gum recession should always warrant a visit to the dentist since it’s caused by many serious oral health concerns. Healthy gums will only shrink minimally even as you get older, so any visible recession could indicate pockets forming around tooth roots.

Hidden Bone Loss

Most adults need at least one set of x-rays a year to check on the health of jawbones and teeth roots. When an x-ray reveals bone loss or detachment between roots and the jaw, you’ll definitely benefit from a root scaling procedure according to the American Academy of Periodontology.

Concerned that you’re showing early signs of gingivitis? Scaling teeth may be necessary. Schedule an appointment with your dentist for a quick examination that will reveal if you’re a candidate for this treatment.

Now, are you asking yourself, does scaling and root planing hurt? At Maiden Lane Dental, located in the Financial District of NYC, we provide the utmost of care and comfort. As with any dental procedure, there may be a slight bit of discomfort. We are confident that your scaling and root planing treatment will be just fine for you. Contact Us today, You will be happy you did!