Scaling and Root Planing in sacramento
Saving Your Teeth with Scaling and Root Planing
If you have ever noticed a little blood in the sink after brushing or felt like your gums are “pulling away” from your teeth, you aren’t alone. Many people in Sacramento deal with these issues, especially when life gets busy and we skip a few dental cleanings. But when your gums stay red or puffy, a regular cleaning usually isn’t enough anymore.
At Tex Mabalon Dentistry, we use Scaling and Root Planing to help our neighbors get their health back. We don’t want you to lose a tooth just because of a preventable infection. This “deep cleaning” is the best way to stop gum disease before it turns into a major problem. Whether you live in Sierra Oaks & Sierra Oaks Vista, Arden Oaks, and Arden-Arcade, we are here to help you get a fresh start.
What Exactly is Scaling and Root Planing?
Most people are used to a “prophy,” which is the standard cleaning where the Dentist or hygienist scrapes off the stuff above the gum line. But gum disease (periodontitis) happens under the gums. Bacteria hide in “pockets” where your toothbrush can’t reach.
According to the American Academy of Periodontology, Scaling and Root Planing is a non-surgical treatment that is the “gold standard” for fighting chronic gum disease.
• Scaling: We use special tools to remove the hard tartar (calculus) and plaque from the surface of the tooth and deep down into the pockets.
• Root Planing: We smooth out the roots of the teeth. When the roots are rough, bacteria can “stick” to them easily. By smoothing them out, we make it harder for plaque to grow and easier for your gums to heal and re-attach to the tooth.
Why Do You Need a “Deep Cleaning”?
When plaque stays on your teeth too long, it hardens into tartar. This stuff is like concrete; you can’t brush it off at home. This tartar irritates the gums and causes an infection. If left alone, your body’s immune system starts to fight the infection, but in the process, it can actually break down the bone and tissue that hold your teeth in.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that nearly half of adults over 30 have some form of gum disease. In Sacramento, we see this a lot in folks who haven’t had a checkup in a few years. If you have “deep pockets” (measured in millimeters during your exam), scaling and root planing is the only way to clean them out.
What to Expect During Your Visit
We know the idea of a deep cleaning sounds intense, but we make sure you are totally comfortable.
1, Numbing: We usually numb the area we are working on. You’ll feel some pressure, but you shouldn’t feel any pain.
2. the Cleaning: We use ultrasonic tools that use water vibrations to break up the big pieces of tartar, followed by hand tools for the fine details.
3. Healing: Your gums might be a little tender for a day or two. We might suggest a special mouthrinse to keep the area clean while it heals.
The American Dental Association (ADA) confirms that this treatment significantly reduces the depth of gum pockets, which is the key to keeping your teeth for life. Once the “junk” is out of the pockets, your gums can finally stop bleeding and start shrinking back to a healthy, tight fit around your teeth.
Keeping Your Smile Strong in the City of Trees
After your Scaling and Root Planing, you’ll likely move to a Periodontal Maintenance schedule. This helps us keep an eye on those pockets so the infection doesn’t come back. Whether you’re heading to work near the State Capitol or enjoying a sunset at Tower Bridge, you’ll feel better knowing your breath is fresh and your foundation is strong.
frequently asked questions:
Does scaling root planing really work?
Yes, scaling and root planing is a highly effective, nonsurgical treatment for mild to moderate gum disease. It works by removing disease-causing bacteria and tartar from beneath the gumline, which helps sore or bleeding gums heal and prevents future tooth loss.
Is scaling better than a deep clean?
Scaling and root planing is actually the clinical term for a “deep dental cleaning.” While a regular cleaning focuses on the surfaces of your teeth, a deep cleaning (scaling) reaches further beneath the gumline to remove buildup around the roots that a standard cleaning cannot reach.
What are the disadvantages of scaling and root planing?
While complications are rare, some patients may experience temporary side effects such as tooth sensitivity to heat and cold, gum tenderness, or minor bleeding. Additionally, if your gums were previously swollen due to infection, they may shrink back (recede) slightly once the inflammation is resolved.
Are scaling and root planing painful?
The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia to numb your gums, ensuring you remain comfortable throughout the process. After the numbness wears off, you may feel some mild soreness for a few days, which can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Do gums grow back after scaling?
Scaling and root planing helps gums become healthier and “tighten back up” around the teeth. However, if your gums were swollen before the procedure, they will shrink to their healthy size once the infection is gone, which might make it appear as though you have slight gum recession.
Is dental scaling just a cleaning?
No, dental scaling is more intensive than a standard cleaning. It involves removing plaque and tartar from both above and below the gumline, followed by root planing to smooth the tooth roots, which prevents bacteria from easily reattaching in the future.
Does periodontal disease go away after deep cleaning?
Deep cleaning is the first line of defense to stop the progression of periodontal disease by removing the bacteria causing the infection. While it can successfully treat mild to moderate cases, maintaining healthy gums requires continued good oral hygiene and regular professional cleanings to prevent the disease from returning.