You are in the process of having gum disease treatment; this procedure is called deep scaling and root planing, or simply root detoxification. Its purpose is to remove all deposits of calculus (tartar) and plaque on the teeth below the gum line and to methodically plane, or smooth, the root surfaces themselves, thus removing the toxins that cause periodontal disease. This is the best treatment for gum disease available.
This periodontitis procedure helps the gums to reattach to the tooth roots. This will reduce bleeding and gum irritation and cause the spaces around the teeth to become less deep.
After scaling and root planing is completed, you may experience slight discomfort around the teeth for a couple of days and perhaps increased sensitivity to hot and cold (and sometimes sweets) for up to four to six weeks. This is the normal course of healing for gum disease treatment. You should begin to notice an improvement in sensitivity within two weeks.
There are several things you can do to help reduce or prevent tooth sensitivity and hasten healing. These include:
Thorough plaque removal on a daily basis with toothbrush and floss.
- Use of desensitizing toothpaste in place of your regular brand.
- A topical stannous fluoride gel may be prescribed to use twice daily.
- A prescription antibiotic may be recommended during your gum disease treatment.
The benefits of the periodontal disease treatment root planing and scaling are many. Depending on the severity of your disease, this procedure alone may not be sufficient to stop the continued destruction of periodontal disease. Approximately one to three months after we complete the scaling and root planing, we will re-evaluate your periodontal disease status. It is at this appointment that we will determine if further treatment is necessary to control the gum disease treatment process.
If you experience any severe discomfort, or any symptom that seems abnormal, please call Dakota Dental’s Apple Valley dental care at 952-431-5774 immediately.