How Many Scaling and Root Planing Treatments Do You Need?

Sensitive gums, bleeding, and chronic bad breath can make you feel self-conscious and prevent you from showing off your smile. And when left untreated, these common symptoms of gum disease put you at risk for tooth loss down the road. At Northeast Periodontal Specialists, we have advanced knowledge of periodontal procedures to manage your gum disease, including scaling and root planing (SRP) in Worcester, MA.

It’s common for patients to undergo several scaling and root planing sessions before the treatment has a positive effect on their gum health. So, when should scaling and root planing be done, and how many treatments do you need for optimal oral health? Our perodontists can give you more information when you attend a deep cleaning at our facility. Read on to learn the details of scaling and root planing below.

What’s scaling and root planing?

Sometimes, consistent brushing is not enough for complete plaque removal below the gumline. This is what causes symptoms like bleeding and swelling. Scaling and root planing is designed to help men and women with gum (periodontal) disease so they can fully enjoy their smiles again.

Scaling involves scraping unwanted plaque and tartar from the gumline and within the periodontal pockets. Once this is accomplished, root planing minimizes the possibility of reinfection. It smoothes out the tooth roots so the gums can properly reattach to the teeth.

When should scaling and root planing be done?

If you have any of the following symptoms, it’s time to see a periodontist in Worcester, MA for scaling and root planing:

• Bleeding gums: This is one of the first indicators of plaque below the gumline. Bleeding most often occurs when brushing or flossing.

• Swelling gums: Swelling and inflammation can make brushing painful. You may also notice symptoms like redness and irritation in the gums.

• Gum recession: It may appear as if your gums are shrinking or pulling away from the teeth. Gum recession could lead to loose teeth and eventually tooth loss.

• Bone loss: This is often discovered through digital x-rays. Bone loss affects not only your teeth but also the underlying jawbone.

How many scaling and root planing treatments do I need?

The deep cleaning associated with SRP requires careful attention to detail from an experienced periodontist. The appointment begins with dental plaque removal using an ultrasonic scaling tool. An irrigation process also delivers an antimicrobial agent to reduce bacteria. Planing then prevents bacteria from forming in the future.

Most periodontists recommend scaling and root planing twice a year or more, depending on the severity of your gum disease. In fact, some patients are seen every 3 – 4 months. As we mentioned, it’s up to our periodontists and our talented team to determine how often you need to visit. Remember to maintain good oral hygiene in between appointments at home!

Learn about periodontal hygiene care

Bleeding gums, swelling, and gum recession are all serious signs of gum disease that need to be addressed. If you have questions about plaque removal, deep cleaning, and what’s involved with SRP, meet with a periodontist in Worcester, MA. Our periodontists can make recommendations based on your oral health and make sure you receive the best care moving forward. Call Northeast Periodontal Specialists to begin the process today.