Scaling and root planing risks

While there are some risks associated with dental scaling and root planing at john t green dds, the greatest risk comes from avoiding the procedure. Scaling and root planing is the best way to prevent gum disease from worsening. In many cases, a dental deep cleaning treatment can help the gums return to health on its own, while in some cases, a dental scaling and root planing treatment is performed before, and occasionally also after, a dental surgery procedure. Most dentists use a local anesthetic for a dental deep cleaning treatment, numbing the area of the mouth that is to be cleaned. Depending on your needs and the preference of your dentist, your dentist may use a handheld tool or an ultrasonic tool, each of which has its own pros and cons. Your dentist may also pack the pockets between your teeth and gums with antibiotic fibers that you will leave in for about a week after your treatment; the dentist will remove these fibers when any chance of infection has passed.

While a dental scaling and root planing procedure causes very little, if any, discomfort on its own, following a treatment, your mouth will remain numb for a few hours as the anesthetic wears off, and there may be some soreness in the area. Because dental scaling and root planing treatment can introduce bacteria into the bloodstream, people with certain medical conditions may be prescribed antibiotics before and after treatment. For people with certain heart problems, like endocarditis, infections are particularly dangerous, while other medical conditions may place patients at higher risk of infection. If you have an impaired immune system, if you have recently had major surgery, or if you have artificial body parts like a hip or heart valve, you may be at increased risk of infection, which can vary greatly in severity. Additionally, the gum tissue itself may become infected, which is more easily treated but still should best be avoided. Be sure to talk to your dentist and periodontist about any underlying health conditions or medical situations that may put you at risk for any sort of infection. Your dentist or periodontist will review other risks of dental scaling and root planing before your treatments. These risks include possible adverse reaction to anesthesia; post-operative bleeding, pain, bruising, or swelling; increased sensitivity to temperature; change in the appearance of the teeth, due to gum recession as inflammation recedes; and a need to modify one’s oral hygiene as the spacing between the teeth changes with reduced swelling. While these risks may deter you from pursuing a dental scaling and root planing treatment, the risks of not undergoing treatment are far greater, and, with the proper precautions, the benefits far outweigh these risks.

If you adopt and maintain healthy oral hygiene habits following your dental scaling and root planing treatment, there’s a good chance your gums will quickly return to a healthy, pink appearance with tissue that sits firmly against the teeth. Root planing and dental scaling is a common and simple procedure that is extremely effective in stopping gum disease, but your continued healthy habits can help keep it away. Without twice daily brushing, daily flossing or rinsing with a water pick, regular dental checkups, and professional cleanings, gum disease may return and worsen, requiring repeated dental scaling and root planing procedures. While your gums are healing, stop using any form of tobacco. Both smoking and using chewing tobacco dramatically prolong the healing process and increase your chances of infection of the gums. Ideally, quit the use of tobacco entirely, and it is likely that you will see a significant improvement in the health not only of your gums, but of your entire mouth, and your entire body.

More on Deep Teeth Cleaning / Scale & Root Planing : Deep Teeth Cleaning Aftercare