what is scaling and root planing?
Dr. Jason Kasarsky is a New York City dentist and periodontal surgeon. He offers scaling and root planing treatments for patients with periodontal gum disease or for those who are in the early stages of gum recession. During a regular dental exam, if Dr. Kasarsky notices that a patient’s gum pockets are deeper than 3 millimeters, he will generally recommend this treatment. The gum pocket is known as the sulcus, which represents the v-shaped grooves located between the gum and teeth. A nonsurgical periodontal treatment, scaling and root planing removes tartar and plaque below the gumline and buffs and smoothens the tooth enamel to protect it from ongoing future build-up. Dr. Kasarsky performs this treatment, which can help improve bleeding gums, inflamed gums, and other dental problems such as infections, tooth loss, and decay.
What Are the Benefits of Scaling and Root Planing?
Scaling and root planing offer several benefits for individuals facing gum disease or periodontal issues in New York, NY. This nonsurgical procedure performed by dental professionals involves the thorough removal of plaque, tartar, and bacteria from below the gumline, targeting areas that regular brushing and flossing can't reach. The benefits of scaling and root planing include:
- Halting the progression of gum disease: This treatment helps stop the advancement of periodontal disease by eliminating bacteria and toxins that cause inflammation and damage to the gums.
- Preventing tooth loss: By removing hardened plaque and calculus, scaling and root planing aid in preventing tooth loss caused by severe gum disease.
- Promoting gum healing: The procedure encourages the gums to reattach to the teeth properly, reducing pockets and spaces where bacteria thrive.
- Improving oral health: Cleaner teeth and healthier gums contribute to better oral hygiene, reducing the risk of further infections and dental problems.
Reviews
Am I A Good Candidate for Scaling and Root Planing?
Individuals may be good candidates for scaling and root planing treatments when they experience bleeding or swollen gums, bad breath, gumline separation, or other symptoms of periodontal disease. At your exam, we will evaluate the pockets dividing your teeth from the gumline. When these gaps exceed 3 mm deep and scans show that bone loss has occurred, Dr. Kasarsky can provide SRP treatments. This gum disease therapy should lessen the depth of the gum pockets, which might enable you to clean your gums using easier techniques. Periodontal disease identified in the periodontitis phase will generally be addressed with scaling and root planing at Jason Kasarsky, DDS.
why do i need scaling and root planing?
- To improve the overall health of the gums and teeth
- To treat gum disease, or prevent it from occurring
- To protect the bones from decay
- To prevent tooth decay
- To prevent gum recession
- To improve the breath of the patient
- To deep clean the gumline and prevent plaque and calculus
- To prevent bacterial infections
how does scaling and root planing work?
Dr. Kasarsky generally performs scaling and root planing without local anesthesia, instead using a local anesthesia to numb the mouth. During the first phase of treatment, he will gently remove tartar and plaque using a scaler, which he will apply to each tooth just below the gumline. This process is performed carefully so that additional bleeding and irritation does not occur. Once the gum pockets are cleaned, Dr. Kasarsky will perform planing procedure, which smoothes the surface of the tooth and helps create a clean surface as to eliminate crevices where plaque can hide and accumulate. Depending on the severity of the case, antibiotics may be prescribed prior to treatment, and they are usually provided after treatment to help promote faster healing of the gum tissue.
is there any special care after scaling and root planing?
After scaling and root planing treatment, if our patient still has recession and gum pockets deeper than 3 millimeters, the same procedure may need to be applied again. There are also advanced treatments that can be recommended beyond this procedure. It is extremely important to adhere to a regular oral care routine at home, brushing and flossing daily, and using any products prescribed by Dr. Kasarsky. Many patients with periodontal problems are seen by Dr. Kasarsky bi-annually as to help prevent further problems and maintain the results from treatment.
Scaling and Root Planing FAQ
Does scaling and root planing hurt?
No, most patients don’t experience discomfort during a scaling and root planing procedure. Before he begins, Dr. Kasarsky can numb the treatment area with a local anesthetic to keep you comfortable. After the procedure, some people may experience some soreness, but this is typically short-lived and easily controlled with an over-the-counter pain reliever (before taking any medication, consult your doctor).
How long does scaling and root planing take?
Depending on the condition of your teeth, you may need multiple visits. A typical office visit is about 30 – 90 minutes.
How successful is scaling and root planing?
For treating chronic periodontal disease, scaling and root planing is the leading treatment, able to address periodontal disease and improve the pocket gap between the teeth and gums by 0.5 mm on average.
call to schedule an appointment
Scaling and root planing treats early signs of gum disease and prevents the further spread of bacteria. It helps reduce and prevent infections, inflammation, and other serious gum and tooth disorders. This procedure eliminates areas on the teeth and near the gums where bacteria likes to hide, so the teeth and gums are healthier and the breath is fresher. We invite you to call our NYC dental office today to learn more and schedule your appointment.