Is Scale and Root Planing Painful?

The short answer is that the scaling of your teeth and the deeper scaling called root planing is not painful. With that having been said pain thresholds vary with each and every one of us. So, it is safe to say you may encounter some discomfort with the scaling and root planing cleveland tx procedures but the outcome far outweighs any struggles with discomfort. Let’s explain why tooth scaling and root planing are necessary. A brief description of the process and the measures taken to minimize pain, the healing process and the benefits of having the procedure done.

Why might you need Scaling or Root Planing

Each of us have millions of bacteria in our mouth at all times. Day in and day out. If you do not follow suggested regular brushing and flossing practices you will fall behind the bacteria. What that means is that there is always a thin film on your teeth. That film will collect the bacteria. If not removed that film turns into something called plaque. Remember that plaque is carrying bacteria. The acids in the bacteria attack the enamel of the tooth and cause cavities. If the plaque gets to the gum line and then below the gum line it will infect the soft tissue of the gums. Over half of the American adults over the age of 35 have some level of gum disease. Gum disease, if left unattended, can have serious consequences that are extremely negative. Your dentist will evaluate the condition of your teeth and gums and suggest scaling and possibly root planing.

The Scaling and Root Planing Process

Not only is it suggested that you simply brush your teeth twice and day, it is also highly recommended that you visit your dentist twice a year for an evaluation and a professional tooth cleaning. This basic cleaning is the scaling process. A hand-held instrument will scrape the plaque from the surface of the tooth or an ultrasonic cleaner will use a jet of water to chip away the bacteria carrying plaque. If the gums are infected, have become swollen and are sagging away from the teeth the dentist will need to take the scaling deeper down the tooth. It may on an occasion be necessary to proceed further down the root to plane the surface, removing the plaque and making it smooth again.

Minimizing any Pain or Discomfort

The teeth themselves do not feel any discomfort. The discomfort will come from the gums. Your dentist will simply administer a local anesthetic through the procedure to take away any pain you might encounter. Upon completion, your gums will feel tender for a few brief days, the infection will subside, the swelling will reduce and the gums will slowly close the pockets around the teeth. The benefits of having this procedure done is to stop the gum disease from advancing. Gum disease can result in losing teeth and has even been associated with heart problems. Step back to square one, brush your teeth as instructed and visit your dentist regularly. Good habits for good health.

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