At Scripps Poway Dental Care, you can find a variety of restorative treatments available to help treat dental issues that may affect you or your family. Gum disease is one issue that can be addressed at our office in San Diego, CA. The first stage of gum disease, gingivitis, can be treated with a procedure called root planing and scaling, also known as deep cleaning.

What is dental scaling?

Gum disease, or periodontitis, is often caused by a buildup of plaque along the gumline. Bacteria living in the plaque produce harmful acids that damage the gums. Dental scaling is a non-surgical method for removing that plaque and setting the gums back on a path to health. Special tools are used for the scaling to allow your dentist at Scripps Poway Dental Care to reach areas in the gumline that are not accessible with just a toothbrush and floss.

What is root planing?

Root planing is the procedure in which the tooth roots are smoothed down. This is effective as a periodontal treatment because it discourages bacteria from collecting on the roots again. Root planing is usually done following dental scaling.

Signs scaling and planing is needed

Gum disease often begins without presenting obvious symptoms, but there are a few signs that may help you to be aware that there is a problem, such as:

• Red, swollen, or tender gums
• Pain in the mouth
• Bleeding while brushing or flossing
• Sores in the mouth
• Persistent bad breath
• Gums that are pulling away from the teeth, causing the teeth to look longer

Gum disease can only be diagnosed during a routine cleaning and exam, so it is important to maintain regular dental appointments.

What is the procedure like?

For dental scaling and planing at your dentist in San Diego, the gums and tooth roots will be numbed using local anesthesia so you won’t experience discomfort during the procedure. After the treatment has been completed, the gums may feel a little tender, but they should obtain a firm, pink, and healthy appearance shortly afterward. The procedure can be completed in just one visit to Scripps Poway Dental Care, but it is usually broken up into two or more appointments.