Periodontal Scaling & Root Planing

Struggling with bad breath that won’t go away, no matter how often you brush and floss? Persistent bad breath, along with swollen or bleeding gums, could be a sign of periodontal disease. Left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss and other serious health concerns. The good news? Periodontal therapy in Columbus, Ohio, can help stop the damage and restore your oral health. The first step is a deep cleaning treatment called scaling and root planing, which removes bacteria and buildup below the gum line. Let our expert team help you regain fresh breath, healthier gums, and a confident smile stress-free. 

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Benefits of Scaling & Root Planing

Scaling and root planing is a preventative treatment we use to proactively prevent and halt the progression of gum disease through the removal of harmful plaque and calculus. Here are a few reasons why we may recommend this non-invasive treatment:

• Stops the Spread of Harmful Bacteria: Gum disease affects more than just your oral health. The bacteria responsible for it can enter the bloodstream and contribute to serious health concerns like heart disease and lung infections. Scaling and root planing remove bacteria and stop periodontal disease from progressing, helping protect both your oral and overall health.
  
  
• Protects Against Tooth Loss: When gum pockets deepen beyond 3mm, they create a perfect environment for bacteria to thrive. Left unchecked, this can trigger chronic inflammation, damaging gum tissue and bone. Since periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss, early intervention is key.
  
  
• Restores a Clean, Bright Smile: Scaling and root planing help remove tartar and plaque from the teeth and below the gumline. As an added bonus, if superficial stains are present on the teeth, they will be removed in the process of the scaling and root planning procedure.
  
  
• Eliminates Bad Breath: One of the most common signs of periodontal disease is halitosis, also referred to as bad breath. This is caused by food particles and bacteria getting trapped below the gumline, which creates an unpleasant odor. By deep cleaning below the gumline, we eliminate the odor-causing bacteria, freshening your breath.  

What to Expect During Scaling and Root Planing 

Before beginning treatment, a comprehensive exam ensures that scaling and root planing is the right approach. At our Marysville dental office, we take X-rays, assess gum health, and evaluate plaque buildup to determine the best course of action.

If deep pockets, heavy tartar buildup, or advanced gum inflammation are present, a local anesthetic may be used to ensure comfort during the procedure.

Scaling

Using specialized dental instruments, we carefully remove plaque and hardened tartar from the tooth surfaces, both above and below the gumline. In some cases, an ultrasonic scaler is used, which also delivers an antimicrobial rinse to flush out bacteria and support gum healing.

Root Planing

This step smooths the root surfaces, eliminating rough areas where bacteria tend to collect. Smoothing the roots encourages the gums to reattach to the teeth, reducing pocket depth and lowering the risk of reinfection.

Following these deep cleaning procedures, the gum pockets may be treated with antibiotics.  This will soothe irritation and help the gum tissues to heal quickly.

After treatment, antibiotics may be applied to the gum pockets to reduce irritation and speed up healing. At your follow-up visit, we’ll assess your progress. If gum pockets remain deep, additional treatment may be needed to fully restore gum health.

Gum disease doesn’t have to take control of your smile. Ready to take the next step? Schedule an appointment today to get started on healthier gums and fresher breath.