When people envision dental care, they often picture clean, white teeth and dental treatments like braces and fillings. Healthy gums are as vital as teeth. Root canal therapy in Hamilton protects the inside of your tooth; scaling and root planing safeguard the foundation supporting your teeth, your gums, and the bone beneath your gums. Without healthy gums, even healthy teeth could become loose or eventually be lost over time.
Scaling and root planing are deep cleaning treatments offered to stop gum disease and restore healthy gums. Scaling and root planing can do things that brushing, flossing and regular cleaning cannot do.
Why is Scaling and Planning Important?
Gum disease starts small with plaque and tartar buildup on the teeth and gums around the gumline. Over time, plaque and tartar buildup cause your gums to swell, bleed and pull away from your teeth, creating spaces known as “pockets.” The pockets allow for further bacteria collection, making the problem worse. While root canal therapy near you can save a vital tooth from infection, scaling and root planing can help protect your gums and try to protect your smile.
Scaling and root planing help by:
- Removing harmful buildup: Scaling makes it possible to carefully scrape away hardened tartar buildup above and below the gumline.
- Smoothing tooth roots: Root planing allows for the smoothing of the tooth roots, leaving fewer protections for bacteria to hide.
- Reducing gum pockets: A proper cleaning of these areas allows the gums to heal and tighten around the teeth once again.
- Preventing additional damage: This treatment can stop the advancement of gum disease before it gets to a state where it damages teeth to the point of loss.
This treatment is important because, if left untreated, gum disease can progress undetected while causing bone loss and severe damage to your teeth.
What’s the Difference: Root planing vs scaling?
Scaling and planning are two terms you may hear together, but you may wonder what the difference is. You could think of them as two separate steps of a treatment:
| Step | What It Does | Where It Works |
| Scaling | Removes plaque and tartar buildup | Above and below the gumline |
| Root Planing | Smooths rough spots on roots to help gums heal | Below the gumline, on the tooth roots |
Both cleanings usually occur in the same appointment; however, they manage different areas to achieve a total deep clean.
How does the Treatment Process Work?
- Evaluation—Your dentist in Hamilton examines your gums and measures pocket depth to determine how advanced the gum disease is.
- Anaesthetic—We usually administer local anesthesia to make you comfortable.
- Scaling—Your hygienist uses special instruments to remove plaque and tartar that have built up on the teeth and gums.
- Root Planing—The roots of your teeth are smoothed out to allow the gums to reattach to your tooth.
- Follow-Up—You may have to come back for another appointment to check your healing and maintain healthy gums.
Does Scaling and root planing hurt?
Most patients do not feel any kind of pain during the procedure, as in most cases, the local anesthesia numbs the area very well. You may feel some soreness afterward; however, it is temporary, and many people would agree that the relief of the gum swelling and bleeding is worth it.
What about the Scaling and Root Planning Cost?
The price will differ depending on how much cleaning is needed, how deep the pockets are, and if you receive treatment to one side of your mouth or both sides. If scaling and root planing are required to treat gum disease, some dental insurance plans will cover a portion, if not all, of the cost. Your dental team can provide you with a specific estimate after an exam.
Can I just have Scaling and Root Planning instead of Regular Cleaning?
No. While scaling and root planing are both deeper and more targeted than a regular cleaning, they are not a substitute for it. You will still need regular checkups to control the accumulation and keep your gums healthy. Regular visits also allow your dental team to measure your progress and detect any signs of gum disease early on.
Practicing good home care habits, such as brushing twice a day and flossing daily, will also help keep your gums healthier between visits. Consider scaling and root planing a dramatic reset, while cleanings are the compass to staying on course.
Keep Your Smile Strong with Rymal Family Dental
Healthy teeth require healthy gums, and scaling and root planing are going to stop current gum disease before it causes any permanent damage. we wants you to have a healthier and more confident smile!
Rymal Family Dental is ready for you—regardless of whether you want additional information regarding the treatment options or just want to know what to expect during the process. Our friendly team will take the necessary time to help ensure that you are accurately informed and comfortable throughout the process.
Do not let gum issues get worse, contact Rymal Family Dental today to start protecting your smile for years to come!
