20 Apr Scaling and Planing Is Not as Scary as It Sounds
Does scaling and planing sound like something out of a horror movie? We know it sounds very scary, but it really isn’t that bad. Scaling and planing is just another way to say that we’re giving your teeth a deep cleaning. It removes tartar buildup and bacteria below the gumline, which helps prevent gum disease, root canal infections, and tooth loss. But since so many people are put off by the name of the procedure, we decided to explain this important technique in detail.
Why We Use the Scaling and Planing Method for Gum Disease
Plaque harbors bacteria and when it builds up, it hardens into tartar, a substance that can only be removed by a dental professional. Tartar buildup and the presence of bacteria can cause cavities, infections, bad breath, and it’s also one of the main causes of gum disease.
The inflammation and infections caused by gum disease will make your gums start to pull away from your teeth. This doesn’t just make them look longer, it also exposes the roots of the teeth, which are not protected by tooth enamel. When the roots are exposed, it’s much easier for the root canal and bone tissue to get infected. That’s why gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss.
But don’t worry! Scaling and planing is one of the most effective ways to fight the progression of gum disease. It can help prevent irreversible damage like root canal infections, bone loss, and tooth loss.
What Exactly Does Scaling and Planing Involve?
Think of it like a “spring cleaning” for your teeth. Your hygienist will remove the tartar buildup and bacteria underneath your gums and make sure every surface of your tooth is squeaky clean.
What is scaling?
Scaling is the act of scraping tartar off the base of the tooth underneath the gums. This can be done with specialized hand tools called manual scalers, with water picks, or with ultrasonic scalers. Tartar keeps your gums from attaching to your tooth root, so after scaling your gums will be able to reattach.
What is planing?
Planing is the act of smoothing out the tooth root. This makes it easier for your gums to reattach to the roots of your teeth. This will help strengthen your gums and prevent tooth loss and gum recession.
What to Expect During and After Treatment
This can take anywhere from one to four sessions, but most only need a little bit after your regular cleaning. For those who may not have been to the dentist in a little while (read several years) you may need to come back several times to finish up. This is to help prevent oversensitivity and pain.
After scaling and planing, your teeth might feel a little loose. This is due to the loss of the hard tartar and scraping slightly below the gumline. Don’t worry, in a week or so, they will tighten up better than ever.
You might also notice a little bleeding or sensitivity. If the bleeding doesn’t stop within 24 hours, let your dentist know. Sensitivity is also common, because removing tartar buildup exposes your tooth surface to hot and cold temperatures again. And if you have receding gums, the root of the tooth may be more sensitive, because it is not protected with tooth enamel.
How Often Do I Need to Get This Done?
Hopefully once! For most people, after their mouth is scaled and planed, they don’t need to undergo it again. Especially if you put a good oral hygiene routine into action right away. However, for some scaling and root planing is often a part of an ongoing management plan for periodontal disease rather than a cure.
Dental Care to Fight Gum Disease in Prescott
We know a lot of people are scared of the dentist, but we want you to care for your oral health.
That is why we here at Hicks Dental Group strive to ensure your visit is as stress and pain-free as possible. Scaling and planing are just one way we help you fight gum disease. Alongside an oral health routine and twice-yearly dental care, you can stop gum disease from progressing further. And if caught early, even reverse it!
Contact us today to schedule an appointment at our dental office in Prescott, Arizona.
Photo by R.D. Smith on Unsplash used with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 4/16/26.