Scaling and Root Planing: What is it?
Whereas a regular dental cleaning is used to clean the visible portion of the teeth and gums, scaling and root planing (SRP) is a procedure designed to clean the tartar and plaque that has built up beneath the gumline.
What is Scaling and Root Planing?
Scaling and root planing involves the removal of the tartar and plaque that has accumulated beneath the gingival tissue (aka gums). During this procedure, the bacteria-filled plaque and tartar beneath the gingival tissue and on the root is removed and the pockets along the gumline are reduced the gingival tissue can reattach to the teeth.
Follow a Daily Dental Hygiene Routine
Gum disease can be serious, which is why following a daily dental hygiene routine is crucial. Your routine should include a two-minute brushing session twice a day. Your toothbrush should be soft-bristled and use a toothpaste that contains fluoride. In addition, flossing and using an antibacterial mouthwash should be performed at least once a day. Be sure to avoid tartar buildup by scheduling your biannual cleanings and exams.
The Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease
Recognizing and then treating gum disease as soon as possible will reduce the damage to the teeth, gum, and jawbone.
Recognizing gum disease:
- The gums bleed while brushing and flossing.
- The gums are inflamed.
- Halitosis (chronic bad breath) develops.
- The gums appear darker, more red.
During the first stage of gum disease, regular dental cleaning is usually prescribed. This dental cleaning addresses the visible portion of the teeth and gum. However, if the gum disease has progressed past the first stage, to clean the teeth sufficiently, a scaling and root planing procedure is required.
Since a scaling and root planing procedure takes longer than a regular dental cleaning, this procedure may require more than one visit.
Who Needs Scaling and Root Planing?
When a patient has a pocket depth that is more than 3 millimeters, scaling and root planing will be prescribed. The pus-filled pockets that have developed along the gumline are full of bacteria.
Unless dental care is sought, these pockets deepen and the bacteria begin attacking the jawbone, which causes it to start deteriorating.
If you are in the San Antonio, Texas, area and you are experiencing the symptoms of gum disease or you a dental cleaning, contact Tran Dental PC to schedule an appointment.
You can request an appointment using our online request form or by calling 210-674-3700. At Tran Dental PC, in San Antonio, Texas, we are dedicated to providing high-quality, custom-tailored, compassionate care. Tran Dental PC’s address is 6918 West Military Drive.