Scale and Root Planing Aftercare

Your care plan after having a scale and root planing procedure in maple grove mn will vary slightly based on the condition of your teeth and gums, how involved the procedure was leading to the extent of healing necessary. Let’s look at why you first might need deeper scaling, what to expect with the procedure itself and finally how that dictates your aftercare.

Why might you need the Scale and Root Planing Procedure?

At any given time, each of us have millions of bacteria in our mouth. If we follow the suggestions of the health industry and brush our teeth twice and day and floss once a day we can keep this bacteria in a healthy range. If you do not brush you allow the bacteria to build up on the teeth. This buildup is a sticky substance called plaque. The plaque not only collects bacteria but sugars and acids as well. The plaque will immediately attack the enamel of the teeth resulting in cavities. If the plaque is indeed allowed to buildup it will continue down the tooth and go below the gum line. Now the plaque will immediately infect the soft tissue result in gum disease. Actually, almost half the population of American adults has some form of gum disease. The only way to combat the disease and reverse the infection is to eliminate the source. The scaling and root planing process does just that.

The Scale and Root Planing Process

Many of us have had our teeth professionally cleaned in the dental office. Either with a hand help tool that scrapes off the plaque and tartar or with an ultrasonic tool that has a vibrating head, the process is manual. The dentist may introduce a local anesthetic if your gums are swollen and tender. This will numb the tissue as the deep scaling begins. The dentist or the hygienist will reach below the gum line to scale away the built-up plaque. If it is necessary to go down the tooth further the procedure is extended into root planing.

The Healing Process during the Aftercare

Initially the discomfort or pain will subside in a few days. Immediately after the procedure you may experience a slight throbbing or aching. This discomfort should only last around four hours. Depending on the health of your gums you may have some bleeding for a few days and even your teeth may be sensitive to temperature changes. You may be instructed to introduce a rinse for several days and it may be wise to focus on a softer diet to avoid chewing. Brushing still needs to be done just gently initially. By the third or fourth day you can resume normal techniques.

The Benefits of Scale and Root Planing

This is the only way to reverse gum disease. Once the procedure is finished and the recovery is completed you will want to maintain a good oral hygiene plan, including seeing your dentist twice a year for regular evaluations and teeth cleaning. Your teeth, your gums and especially your smile will appreciate your efforts.

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