Have you ever noticed your gums bleeding when you brush, or perhaps you've been told you have "pockets" around your teeth? These could be silent signals of periodontal disease, a common but often overlooked infection of the gums and bone supporting your teeth.
It’s a condition that, if left untreated, can lead to serious issues, including tooth loss. But there's good news: a powerful and effective dental cleaning treatment called periodontal scaling and root planing can halt this progression and restore your oral health.
At The Tooth Co., we understand the critical importance of healthy gums. We're here to guide you through what periodontal scaling and root planing involves, why it's often called a "deep cleaning," and how it can be your key to a healthier, more stable smile.
Periodontal disease—also known as gum disease—is a progressive condition where the tissues and bones supporting your teeth become inflamed and eventually deteriorate. It begins subtly, often unnoticed... until the damage is already underway.
It starts small—redness, slight bleeding. But over time, it spreads deeper into your gums and bones, loosening teeth and threatening your entire oral foundation.
Gingivitis is like a warning light on your dashboard—reversible, if caught early. Periodontitis? That’s when the engine’s already overheating. It causes permanent damage that requires professional treatment like periodontal scaling and root planing.
Periodontal scaling and root planing is a non-surgical deep cleaning technique used to remove plaque and tartar from below the gumline and smooth the roots of your teeth—where harmful bacteria love to hide.
Unlike regular cleanings that target visible plaque, deep cleaning dives beneath the surface... scrubbing out bacteria that toothbrushes can’t touch and polishing root surfaces to make it harder for bacteria to return.
Your The Tooth Co. dentist might recommend it if your gum pockets exceed 4mm, indicating deeper infection. It’s the go-to treatment when regular cleanings just won’t cut it.
Using ultrasonic tools or hand instruments, your dentist scrapes away hardened plaque (calculus) from beneath your gumline. It’s thorough... like a deep dive into the ocean floor of your mouth.
Root planing smooths out the root surfaces of your teeth. This reduces inflammation and helps your gums reattach more securely—kind of like trimming a tree’s bark to help it grow stronger roots.
The Tooth Co. dentists use a mix of ultrasonic scalers (high-frequency vibrations), fine hand instruments, and occasionally lasers for precise removal. These tools reach where toothbrushes and floss simply can’t.
When plaque hardens into tartar, it traps bacteria below the gumline. Over time, this forms deep pockets—perfect hideouts for infection.
These conditions reduce your body's ability to fight off gum infections, increasing the likelihood of pocket formation... and more frequent visits to your dentist.
Some people are simply more prone to gum disease due to genetics. Pair that with a sluggish immune system and gum pockets can form faster than you'd expect.
The primary benefit? Stopping gum disease in its tracks before it escalates to bone loss or tooth extraction.
Patients often report less bleeding during brushing and flossing after treatment. Think of it as calming a stormy sea back into smooth, tranquil waves.
By removing infection and allowing gums to heal, you safeguard the bone structure holding your teeth in place.
Some patients experience mild sensitivity post-treatment—especially to hot and cold. This typically fades within a few days.
Swollen, tender gums are common during recovery. Saltwater rinses and gentle brushing can ease discomfort.
While rare, infections can occur if aftercare is neglected. Antibiotic mouth rinses may be prescribed to reduce this risk.
Avoid hard or crunchy foods for 24-48 hours. Stick to soft options—soups, yogurt, mashed potatoes. And no smoking... your gums need clean oxygen to heal!
Don't skip brushing your teeth. Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush, floss gently, and use an antiseptic mouthwash. Think of it as protecting a freshly renovated house.
Your dentist may want to check your healing progress within a few weeks. Follow-up cleanings every 3–4 months may also be recommended.
Consistency is key. Brushing twice and flossing once daily keeps plaque at bay and gum pockets from forming.
Visit your dentist every 6 months—or more if you’re high risk. Think of it as routine maintenance for your smile.
Reduce sugar, quit smoking, and increase water intake. What’s good for your body is great for your gums.
If detected early, scaling and root planing alone can resolve periodontal issues—no scalpels, no stitches.
If gum pockets exceed 6mm or bone loss is severe, surgical treatments like flap surgery or bone grafting might be required. Catch it early, and you may never need to go there...
At The Tooth Co., you'll experience modern dentistry reimagined. You can find us at 114 Pacifica, Ste 310, Irvine, CA 92618. We're open Monday from 9 AM to 6 PM, Tuesday and Wednesday from 8 AM to 5 PM, Thursday from 7 AM to 4 PM, and Friday from 8 AM to 12 PM.
Whether you're battling gum disease or looking for cosmetic improvements and exceptional general dental treatments, The Tooth Co. blends academic excellence with visionary innovation. For personalized, concierge-level periodontal care, look no further than this cutting-edge Irvine practice.
Periodontal scaling and root planing isn’t just a cleaning—it’s a reset button for your oral health. If you’ve been told you need this treatment, don’t panic. It’s safe, effective, and can prevent far more serious issues down the road.
When caught early, gum disease can be managed. But delay too long... and you're looking at irreversible damage. Partner with experts at The Tooth Co., take your aftercare seriously, and keep those gums as healthy as the teeth they support.
Yes, but it’s best to wait a couple of hours. Stick to soft, cool foods and avoid anything spicy, hot, or crunchy for the first 24-48 hours.
While deep cleaning can help gums reattach to teeth, they won’t regenerate lost tissue. However, it can halt further recession and restore gum health.
Usually between 1 to 2 hours, depending on the severity of the condition. Sometimes, it’s done over two visits—one for each side of the mouth.
Most dental insurance plans do cover periodontal scaling and root planing, especially if it's deemed medically necessary. Always confirm with your provider.
You may feel pressure, but discomfort is minimal. Dentists often use local anesthesia to numb the area and ensure you’re comfortable.
