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What Are Scaling and Root Planing?

One of the simplest and most popular forms of dental care for gum disease in Pittsburgh is root planing and scaling. While scaling and root planing might just sound like an everyday tooth cleaning, it really is far more in-depth than this. It is the process by which you work to improve the health of your gums and teeth.

You might think that a regular dental checkup that you receive every six months simply cleans the surface portion of your teeth you can see when you look in the mirror. But root planing and scaling in Pittsburgh also include much more.

 

How the Process Works

Scaling and root planing is a procedure that is often used to help prevent many types of dental problems. Root planing and scaling involve a visit to the dentist, during which a dental technician works on the teeth. They will remove plaque and tartar, using scaling techniques, to expose healthy teeth and gums. Scaling and root planing is most often done in one office visit.

The process of scaling and root planing is not only beneficial for patients of the dental practice, but also for dental technicians and hygienists by making it easier for them to maintain your dental health. First of all, scaling and root planing removes tartar from the teeth. It also promotes and improves gum health. It helps to prevent cavities as well as to make patients’ smiles healthier.

Scaling

Throughout the scaling process, your dental hygenist or periodontist will use a variety of hand tools to gently remove any bacteria, plaque, or tartar attached to your teeth. In some cases, they may use an ultrasonic tool to help vibrate the particles loose. Scaling focuses particularly on the area just below your gums, since that’s hard to clean with a toothbrush and floss at home.

Root Planing

If the roots of your teeth are rough or textured, it’s easier for bacteria to find holes to hide and grow in. Root planing works by smoothing out the roots of your teeth. This allows your gums to attach more firmly, helping to keep both them and your teeth healthy. If root planing is necessary, your periodontist may provide some local anesthesia to help keep you comfortable during the procedure. They’ll also likely schedule a follow-up appointment with you to ensure that your gums are healing well and that the procedure worked as intended.

 

How to Request Scaling and Root Planing

The root planing and scaling processes are delicate, and you should look for someone who is certified and experienced in handling the process. Some of the best providers of both procedures are located in Pittsburgh, and many are happy to schedule your first appointment right away. Because you’ll be in the comfort of a dentist’s office, you can relax and feel confident about the procedure – scaling and root planing can be done without anyone interrupting you during the process.

 

When You Need More Than a Cleaning

If you have chipped or cracked teeth, need a restoration of your smile or have been exposed to tobacco products, then you most likely need to get some dental work. A good dentist will work to fix any problems that you might have with your smile. But you need to make sure that your treatment is performed by someone who uses state-of-the-art technology. The best dentists are probably the ones who perform these procedures with the latest technology – so make sure that you choose a dental practice with the latest equipment.

At the Pittsburgh Periodontist, we provide a wide variety of services to help keep your mouth healthy and to give you the smile you’ve always wanted. We know some folks might have a bit of anxiety about visiting a dentist, so we go above and beyond to make sure that you’re comfortable and relaxed throughout your procedure. With two different locations for your convenience, you can be confident when you choose us.

For more information about scaling and root planing at the Pittsburgh Periodontist, call us at (412) 787-7555. You can also contact us online.

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