What Is Scaling and Root Planing?
Taking care of your gums is a simple but effective way to manage gum disease and keep your mouth and body healthy. Scaling and root planing, also known as periodontal scaling and root planing or a "deep cleaning", is a nonsurgical gum disease treatment. It targets plaque, tartar, and harmful bacteria under the gumline. These bacteria can cause inflammation and infection, which leads to gum disease. When gum disease is caught early (gingivitis), it can often be treated with regular dental cleanings. However, if the disease progresses to periodontitis, or bone loss, a more advanced stage, scaling and root planing becomes necessary. This process promotes healing and helps reverse the effects of gum disease, creating a healthier foundation for your smile. If you're noticing signs of gum disease, such as bleeding gums, bad breath, or gum recession, it's time to consider a consultation for scaling and root planing at our Columbia, MD practice.
How Does Scaling and Root Planing Work?
UMG Family Dentistry employs the latest tools and techniques to make your experience as comfortable as possible. The scaling and root planing procedure is typically done in 1 – 4 sessions, depending on the severity of the gum disease and how much of the area needs to be treated. Before starting, we'll numb the area with a mild anesthetic to ensure your comfort. For patients who feel anxious, we also offer sedation options. Once you're comfortable, our skilled dental hygienists will use an advanced scaler and handheld instruments to gently remove plaque and tartar buildup from deep inside the gum pockets. The root planing part of the procedure smooths the tooth roots, which reduces the places where bacteria can hide and allows the gums to reattach more easily to the teeth. In some cases, a topical antibiotic or ozone gas may be applied to further control bacteria and support healing after the treatment. Patients may undergo scaling and root planing before extraction, especially if gum disease has weakened the surrounding teeth. In these situations, the deep cleaning helps control infection and inflammation, setting the stage for a smoother extraction if necessary.
What Are the Benefits of Scaling and Root Planing?
Once our team completes the scaling and root planing procedure, you'll start to see significant improvements in your oral health. This treatment stops gum disease in its tracks and restores a healthier environment in your mouth. Columbia, MD-area patients at UMG Family Dentistry struggling with gum disease benefit immensely from scaling and root planing, which offer the following advantages:
- Prevents gum disease from worsening, helping you avoid more invasive treatments
- Reduces bad breath by eliminating bacteria that cause odor
- Lowers the risk of health complications associated with gum disease, such as heart disease and diabetes
- Prevents cavities from forming
- Removes hardened plaque (tartar) and brightens your teeth for a cleaner, healthier appearance
- Protects against tooth loss by preventing further bone and gum damage
- Improves overall oral health by directly tackling periodontal disease and promoting gum healing
UMG Family Dentistry Reviews
My visit was exceptional. The doctor thoroughly explained everything to me, ensuring I felt both understood and supported throughout the process. I felt well cared for during the entire visit.
Best service ever, efficient and all around great. Very clean office with friendly staff. This place is outstanding in every aspect.
I have never had a better cleaning or cavity fill experience in my life! Lady is incredible. For the first time, I walked away from dental appointments 100% happy. Everything was explained very well to me, and aside from the initial numbing for fillings, everything else was essentially pain free. I didn't know that was even possible. I walked away with everything taken care of, and researched, well reasoned recommendations for maintenance and care going forward. And a big thank you to everyone else there who met with a smile :).
Fantastic provider. Very kind, courteous, and knowledgeable. Thank you!
Dr. Lady Ung is the best! I would definitely recommend her for all of your dental needs! She is very knowledgeable and kind. She made me feel at ease and did a super thorough cleaning! Beautiful new office! 5 stars for sure!
29
Total Reviews
5
Average Rating
Treat Gum Disease and Protect Your Smile
At UMG Family Dentistry, we're committed to helping you achieve optimal oral health through personalized care. Scaling and root planing are effective ways to treat gum disease and protect your smile from long-term damage. Contact our Columbia, MD practice to book an appointment. Learn more about how periodontal scaling and root planing can benefit you and help you maintain a healthier, happier smile.
