Root Planing and Scaling: A Simple Explanation of the Procedure

When it comes to your teeth, it’s important to take care of them. Healthy teeth will help you feel confident and comfortable speaking, eating, and smiling. These things are all important aspects of life. If you have seen a dentist recently, then you may know that they can do some pretty amazing things these days. There are many different procedures that dentists can use to help patients keep their teeth healthy and clean. In this article, we will be talking about two such procedures: root planing and scaling. These may sound like strange or even scary words but they are not nearly as bad as they sound! Both of these dental procedures serve the same basic purpose: They remove tartar and plaque from your teeth so they remain healthy and strong. Here is everything you need to know about root planing and scaling — what they are, why you might need them, how much they cost, which procedure is right for you, etc…

What is Root Planing?

The first procedure we’ll look at is root planing, also known as periodontal debridement. Root planing is a dental cleaning procedure that removes plaque and tartar from your teeth, including the roots of your teeth. Root planing is often used in conjunction with scaling, a technique that we will discuss below. The goal of root planing is to remove the plaque and tartar that has built up along the root surfaces of your teeth. The roots of your teeth are very porous, so they are prone to collecting plaque and tartar. Root planing is often used as a first line treatment for moderate to advanced periodontal (gum) disease. It is usually used in combination with other periodontal treatments, such as scaling and/or root scaling, or periodontal surgery. It is usually done by your dentist or periodontist.

What is Scaling?

The next procedure we will examine is scaling, also known as periodontal debridement. Scaling is a dental cleaning procedure that removes plaque and tartar from your teeth, including the roots of your teeth. Scaling is often used in conjunction with root planing, a technique we will discuss above. The goal of scaling is to remove the plaque and tartar that has built up along the root surfaces of your teeth. The roots of your teeth are very porous, so they are prone to collecting plaque and tartar. Scaling is often used as a first line treatment for moderate to advanced periodontal (gum) disease. It is usually used in combination with other periodontal treatments, such as root planing, or periodontal surgery. It is usually done by your dentist or periodontist.

Why Are Root Planing and Scaling Done?

Root planing and scaling are done to treat periodontal (gum) disease — an infection that is often caused by plaque and tartar buildup. If this buildup is not removed on a regular basis, it can lead to periodontal disease and may even result in the loss of some of your teeth. Root planing and scaling are considered to be the most thorough cleaning procedure. Root planing and scaling are usually the first steps in periodontal treatment, done to clean out the plaque and tartar that has built up on your teeth.

How Much Does Root Planing and Scaling Cost?

The exact cost of root planing and scaling will depend on where you live, where you go for treatment, and how much time your dentist needs to spend on your teeth. The average cost of root planing and scaling ranges from $300 to $750.

Which Procedure Should You Choose?

Root planing and scaling are both very effective in removing plaque and tartar buildup on your teeth, but they are also very different procedures. The best procedure for you will depend on your needs and the severity of your periodontal disease. Root planing is generally recommended for mild to moderate gum disease, while scaling is recommended for more advanced gum disease such as periodontitis. Root planing is a more thorough, but less aggressive procedure than scaling, so it is often used as a first line treatment for moderate to advanced periodontal disease. While scaling is generally used as a treatment for severe cases of periodontal disease.

Conclusion

When it comes to your teeth and oral health, it’s important to take care of them. Healthy teeth will help you feel confident and comfortable speaking, eating, and smiling. These things are all important aspects of life. If you have seen a dentist recently, then you may know that they can do some pretty amazing things these days. There are many different procedures that dentists can use to help patients keep their teeth healthy and clean. In this article, we will be talking about two such procedures: root planing and scaling. These may sound like strange or even scary words but they are not nearly as bad as they sound! Both of these dental procedures serve the same basic purpose: they remove tartar and plaque from your teeth so they remain healthy and strong. Let’s breakdown what root planing and scaling are, why you might need them, how much they cost, and which procedure is right for you