8 - 2021 - Dental Implants & Periodontics in Phoenix, Chandler, Mesa, Tempe, Scottsdale

Scaling and root planing helps to clean the teeth and remove plaque on both the tooth and root surfaces. This periodontal procedure is done to deep clean and remove plaque buildup from the gums and teeth. If you have periodontal pockets or swollen gums, scaling and root planning can help restore your gums and prevent tooth loss.

What Can I Expect Before My Treatment?

Before your treatment you may be required to take antibiotics. There is risk of infection with scaling and root planing because of the bacteria that is cleaned out during the procedure. With a deep cleaning treatment, sometimes bacteria can be released into the bloodstream during the process.

Scaling and root planing may cause some discomfort. To keep patients relaxed and comfortable, we may apply topical or local anesthetic to the area. This numbs the gums where we are working. Minor bleeding and swelling may occur, but this should subside after a few days.

Other risks include issues with gum reattachment, gum recession, or nerve damage. These side effects are rare, and most patients have no issues after their treatment. The most common side effect is pain and sensitivity after the procedure.

How Is the Recovery Process?

Most patients experience pain and sensitivity after the procedure. This typically lasts between 5 to 7 days or up to a few weeks, and this varies per patient. To help with sensitivity we recommend eating a soft food diet, and avoid drinking any hot or cold beverages. Over the counter medications can be taken, and we recommend brushing and flossing regularly to keep up with your oral hygiene at home. Patients can rinse with warm salt water to ease the pain during recovery. Overall, the healing process is quick, and patients can return to normal activity soon after their treatment.

Scaling and root planing helps to stop gum disease, and promotes healing where your gums are inflamed. This procedure can eliminate bad breath and protect the roots of your teeth.

Interested in Finding Out More?

At Chandler Implants and Periodontics, we have years of periodontal experience, and love to help our patients. Taking care of your teeth and gums is important, and our team is here to help. Gum disease should always be treated, and can lead to more serious issues in the future if it is not addressed properly.

If you are interested in finding out more about how scaling and root planing can benefit you, contact Chandler Implants and Periodontics, and our friendly staff will assist you.

Decay can deteriorate our teeth and over time if not treated, the teeth can become loose and even fall out. Decay damages teeth and can cause dental abscesses that can become serious if not treated. When you have plaque build up the plaque uses the sugars in the food you eat to create acids. These acids are what damages and eats away at the enamel on our teeth.

During the decay process there are various phases that happen. These signs can indicate that you need to see your dentist to try and remove the plaque before it is too late. At Chandler Implants and Periodontics, we focus on prevention and teach our patients how to practice good oral hygiene habits at home. Taking care of our teeth from children through adulthood is important, and can prevent many serious issues as we get older.

What Are the Stages of Tooth Decay?

Plaque buildup can cover the surfaces of your teeth, and if you do not have your teeth cleaned regularly this plaque can turn into hard tarter. Once the tarter develops this makes it difficult to remove the bacteria that are causing the plaque.

Enamel Breakdown

The outer layer of your teeth is made up of enamel. Enamel is very durable and made of many minerals. When your teeth are exposed to plaque bacteria, the acids attack the enamel and break down. Some patients may notice white spots developing on their teeth. This indicates the decay has reached the enamel.

Decay of Enamel

Once the decay begins to attack the enamel of the tooth, the enamel will just continue to break down. If you notice a white spot on your tooth, this may turn darker or brown at this stage of decay. Eventually, cavities develop, and you must visit your dentist to have the area filled.

Effects on Dentin

Dentin is the layer beneath the enamel. This layer is a lot softer and not as durable as enamel. If acid reaches this layer, it can really cause damage quickly. Once the bacteria and decay reach the dentin of your tooth you may develop sensitivity to hot or cold.

Damage to the Pulp Area

If you notice swelling in or around a tooth this may indicate you have damage to the pulp area of the tooth. This area contains many nerves and blood vessels. When the pulp area swells, this can push on the nerves and cause severe pain.

Abscessed Tooth

If the decay has reached the pulp area of the tooth, the bacteria can cause an infection. You may notice pus around the area. Abscesses can cause severe pain in the mouth and jaw. Swelling may be present in the gums, face, or neck. If you think you have an abscess, we recommend calling our office right away. At this point treatment may require removing the tooth, or the tooth may fall out on its own.

What Treatment Is Available?

Depending on the level of decay and severity of damage will determine what treatment is required. Our doctors have years of experience in periodontics, and always have our patients’ best interest in mind. Our team will evaluate the area, and develop a customized treatment plan. We will discuss treatment options, and always try and save the tooth before we resort to removal.

If the patient only has decay in the enamel layer most likely a filling can correct the issue, and preserve the tooth. For teeth that have decay on the dentin layer, this may require a filling and a crown. When patients come in with pulp damage, a root canal may be needed to help save the tooth and clean out any infection. If the patient has an abscess and the damage is so severe that saving the tooth is not possible, we may resort to removing the tooth completely. If tooth removal is required, our team will discuss tooth restoration options to restore your smile.

At Chandler Implants and Periodontics your oral health is our priority, and we strive to provide the highest level of care to all of our patients. We use state of the art equipment, and use the latest tools and techniques in the dental industry. Our doctors and staff have specialized training for dental emergencies, and can handle any type of emergency that comes our way.

Interested in Making an Appointment?

If you are in severe pain and think you have an issue with a tooth due to decay, contact Chandler Implants and Periodontics, and we can rid you of pain, and get you on the road to recovery. We provide quality and affordable dental care you can trust.

To schedule your appointment contact Chandler Implants and Periodontics, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

Are There Side Effects Related To the Scaling of Teeth?