Scaling and Root Planing in Silver Spring & Germantown, MD

Scaling and root planing is one of the most effective, non-surgical ways to treat gum disease before it becomes severe. At R3 Dental Group, we offer this and other services to patients looking for gum disease treatment. We proudly serve patients living in the Silver Spring, Germantown, Frederick, and Bethesda areas.

What is Scaling and Root Planing?

Scaling and root planing cleans between the gums and the teeth down to the roots. Scaling is the process of removing dental tartar from the surfaces of the teeth. Root planing is the process of smoothing out the root surfaces and removing any infected tooth structure. If you have gum disease or gum pocketing, the gum pockets around the teeth will have deepened, thereby allowing tartar deposits to form under the gum line. A careful cleaning of the root surfaces to remove plaque and calculus (tartar) from deep periodontal pockets and smoothing the tooth root to remove bacterial toxins will help ensure that your gum disease is controlled.

Oral Infections

Everyone is at risk for oral infections, which begin to develop as a result of poor oral hygiene practices.

• Dental Caries – This is the most common form of oral infection, and the leading cause of tooth decay. This is often caused by sugary foods, bacteria, and poor oral hygiene habits. It can lead patients to require fillings, crowns, or even tooth removal in severe cases.
• Gingivitis – Also called gum disease, there are more people who have gingivitis than those who don’t. This is characterized by a build-up of bacteria around the gumline, which can cause the gums to bleed when brushing or flossing. If untreated, it can lead to periodontal disease.
• Periodontal Disease – When gingivitis advances past the gumline and starts to affect the bones and other structures, periodontal disease begins to develop. This is the most common cause of tooth loss, as it is responsible for inflammation and bone loss in the affected areas.

Oral infections are the largest cause of tooth decay and tooth loss, but can be avoided with good dental hygiene. Treatments such as scaling and root planing can help thoroughly cleanse the mouth and rid it of the bacteria that causes these diseases.

Helpful Hints to Keep in Mind

• Scaling and root planing does not usually cause much discomfort, but you might experience some soreness afterwards, since deeper regions under the gums have been cleaned.
• Your teeth themselves may become a bit more sensitive to temperature, and bleeding might occur for a little while after your procedure.
• Over-the-counter painkillers, such as ibuprofen, work very well to alleviate discomfort, as do ice packs applied to the outside of the face around the treated area.
• Brushing and flossing will have to be done more gently to avoid aggravating any bruised or tender gum areas. We’ll show you the best methods for keeping your teeth clean during this time.

Scaling and root planing is a simple procedure that can work very well to stop gum disease. If you maintain good dental care after the procedure, the progression of your gum disease should stop, and your gums will heal and become firm and pink again in no time!

If you suffer from gum disease or any other oral infection, you may want to consider a scaling and root planing treatment to get your oral health back on track. At R3 Dental Group, we offer this and other cleaning treatments to our patients in the Maryland area. We welcome those from Silver Spring, Germantown, Washington, D.C., and more. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.