- What Is Scaling and Root Planing?
- What Happens During Scaling and Root Planing?
- What Are the Benefits of Scaling and Root Planing?
- Frederick J Norfolk, DMD and Associates Reviews
- Frequently Asked Questions About Scaling and Root Planing
- Deep Cleaning for Your Gumline
- Get In Touch
- Related Procedures
What Is Scaling and Root Planing?
Our dental team will measure the spaces between your teeth and gums to check for periodontal pockets. Dental x-rays may also be used to look for bone loss and other signs of periodontal disease. During scaling, special dental instruments remove hardened tartar and plaque from above and below the gumline. The cleaning extends into periodontal pockets where bacteria can remain out of reach of a toothbrush or floss. A local anesthetic may be used to keep the treated area comfortable. Root planing focuses on the surfaces of the tooth roots. The dentist smoothes these areas and removes deposits that can contribute to inflammation. This deep cleaning for gums creates a cleaner surface next to the gum tissue and gives the gums a chance to heal. Some tenderness, sensitivity, or mild bleeding can occur after treatment. Follow-up visits may be scheduled to check healing and measure periodontal pockets again.
What Happens During Scaling and Root Planing?
Our dental team will measure the spaces between your teeth and gums to check for periodontal pockets. Dental x-rays may also be used to look for bone loss and other signs of periodontal disease. During scaling, special dental instruments remove hardened tartar and plaque from above and below the gumline. The cleaning extends into periodontal pockets where bacteria can remain out of reach of a toothbrush or floss. A local anesthetic may be used to keep the treated area comfortable. Root planing focuses on the surfaces of the tooth roots. The dentist smoothes these areas and removes deposits that can contribute to inflammation. This deep cleaning for gums creates a cleaner surface next to the gum tissue and gives the gums a chance to heal. Some tenderness, sensitivity, or mild bleeding can occur after treatment. Follow-up visits may be scheduled to check healing and measure periodontal pockets again.
What Are the Benefits of Scaling and Root Planing?
Gum disease can progress beneath the gumline without causing much discomfort at first. Gum disease deep cleaning at Frederick J. Norfolk, DMD and Associates in Milford, MA targets the buildup in these harder-to-reach areas and helps create a healthier environment around the teeth. Benefits of treatment may include:
- Removing plaque and tartar below the gums
- Reducing harmful bacteria around the teeth
- Helping calm swollen or bleeding gums
- Cleaning deep periodontal pockets
- Smoothing rough tooth root surfaces
- Helping gums fit more closely around teeth
- Slowing the progression of gum disease
- Helping protect the bone around teeth
- Improving persistent bad breath linked to gum disease
Frederick J Norfolk, DMD and Associates Reviews
Great dental practice that really cares about their patients.
Good experience and great staff. On time, no real wait for the appointment. Hygienist did a great job.
If you need Dental work, Dr. Norfolk, his Dental Staff, and his Office Team are “Best in Class”. This is a Dental Practice that cares about their patients and provides outstanding Dental work.
There's sinply no better dentist than Dr Norfolk I never worry about a thing when it go in for dental work under his expert care..He and his excellent and friendly staff are the very best!
I have had A LOT of dental work and procedures from injuries and genetics and this group of practitioners is by far the most precise, professional and compassionate I have encountered. I have recommended the Norfolk group to everyone I am in contact. Everyone has returned with a superlative responses and experience. I think Dr Norfolk is a caring and great dentist and person. (I am not related to him)
25
Total Reviews
5
Average Rating
Frequently Asked Questions About Scaling and Root Planing
Is scaling and root planing painful?
Scaling and root planing is generally performed with a local anesthetic to help limit discomfort. You may notice pressure or movement as deposits are removed from around the teeth and roots. Afterward, the gums may feel tender, and the teeth may be sensitive for a short time.
How long does scaling and root planing take?
Treatment time varies based on the amount of buildup present and how many areas need treatment. Some appointments may last about 1 – 2 hours. Your dentist may also divide treatment into separate visits so different sections of the mouth can be treated comfortably.
What can you eat after scaling and root planing?
Soft, mild foods can be easier to eat while your gums are sensitive. Yogurt, scrambled eggs, pasta, soup that is not too hot, and soft, cooked vegetables are a few options. Crunchy, spicy, sticky, or very hot foods may be uncomfortable until the treated areas feel better.
Can scaling and root planing help bleeding or swollen gums?
Scaling and root planing can reduce the bacteria and buildup that contribute to bleeding and swollen gums. As inflammation decreases, the gum tissue may become firmer and less likely to bleed during brushing or flossing. Healing varies, so our dental team will monitor how your gums respond after treatment.
Do gums reattach after scaling and root planing?
Gums may tighten around the teeth as inflammation decreases and the tissue heals. Root planing creates a smoother tooth surface that can allow the gum tissue to fit more closely against the root. The amount of improvement depends on the severity of gum disease and the condition of the tissues and bone around each tooth.
Deep Cleaning for Your Gumline
Untreated periodontal disease can damage the tissues and bone that hold teeth in place. Scaling and root planing removes bacterial deposits below the gumline and can help control the infection before more damage occurs. Some patients may also need periodontal maintenance visits after treatment to keep plaque and tartar under control. Frederick J. Norfolk, DMD and Associates provides scaling and root planing in Milford, MA with a focus on comfort, clear communication, and personalized treatment. Contact our practice to schedule a consultation and find out how a deeper cleaning may help improve the health of your teeth and gums.