Dr. Jafari provides scaling and root planing to help manage gum disease. This simple periodontal treatment is often the first step recommended after you are diagnosed and is highly effective in halting the progress of gum disease so you can begin regaining your oral health. Call Inova Dental Clinic at 703-433-1400 today to schedule an appointment with our dentist and learn more about scaling and root planing in Sterling, Virginia.
Scaling and root planing is an essential procedure in the battle against gum disease, offering a crucial defense before it becomes more serious. This deep cleaning treatment involves two main steps:
- Firstly, scaling focuses on removing plaque and tartar (also known as dental calculus) from the surface of your teeth. This step helps eliminate the sources of harmful bacteria.
- Secondly, root planing comes into play. This step concentrates on cleaning the roots of your teeth and smoothing them out. By doing this, we get rid of bacterial toxins that can contribute to gum disease.
The primary goals of scaling and root planing are simple yet vital: to eliminate bacteria, plaque and tartar, and to stop the progression of the disease. Most of the time, these procedures are comfortable and do not require anesthesia. However, if needed, our dentist can provide various anesthetic or sedation options to ensure your comfort during the treatment.
Depending on your situation, the scaling and root planing process might be split into multiple appointments, each dealing with one part of your mouth. Our dentist will evaluate your mouth and the severity of the disease to determine how many appointments will be needed to complete your entire treatment.
In some cases, our dentist may also combine scaling and root planing with other types of periodontal therapy, like antibiotic treatments. But for many patients, scaling and root planing alone is effective in preventing the worsening of gum disease. If you are interested in learning more about the benefits of scaling and root planing, along with the other periodontal treatments we offer, please get in touch with our office. Your oral health is our priority.
FAQ
What is scaling and root planing?
Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning procedure that removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline and smooths the tooth roots to promote healing.
Who needs scaling and root planing?
Patients with periodontal (gum) disease or significant plaque and tartar buildup below the gumline may need scaling and root planing.
Is scaling and root planing painful?
Local anesthesia is used to minimize discomfort during the procedure, and any post-treatment sensitivity can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
How long does scaling and root planing take?
The procedure may require one or more visits, depending on the extent of the buildup and the number of teeth involved.
What should I do after scaling and root planing?
Follow your aftercare instructions, which may include using a prescribed mouthwash, avoiding certain foods and maintaining good oral hygiene.