Scaling and Root Planing in Philadelphia, PA
Gum disease has a way of developing with very few signs at the beginning. Eventually, you may notice subtle changes, such as bleeding when you brush or floss, persistent bad breath that doesn’t go away, or gums that feel tender, swollen, or irritated. If left untreated, these seemingly minor problems could allow periodontal disease to threaten both your oral health and your natural teeth.
The good news is that deep professional cleanings, such as scaling and root planing, can help stop periodontal disease in its tracks. This advanced cleaning treatment removes harmful bacteria and buildup from areas that regular brushing and routine dental cleanings can’t reach, allowing your gums to heal and reattach to your teeth.
At Center City Emergency Dentist, we proudly provide expert scaling and root planing services in Philadelphia, PA, helping patients regain control of their gum health and protect their smiles for the long term. If you’re experiencing signs of gum disease or have been told you need a deep cleaning, contact our office today to schedule an evaluation.
Do You Need Scaling and Root Planing?
Periodontal disease affects nearly half of all adults over the age of 30, yet many people are unaware they have it until a dentist points it out during an exam. While regular cleanings (prophylaxis) are sufficient for healthy mouths, they only clean the crowns of the teeth above the gum line. When bacteria invade the area below the gum line, a standard cleaning is no longer enough.
How do you know if you require a deep cleaning? Typically, this treatment is prescribed after an examination reveals that your gums have pulled away from the teeth, forming pockets deeper than 4 millimeters.
Other common signs that may indicate the need for scaling and root planing include:
- Bleeding Gums: Seeing blood in the sink after brushing or flossing is not normal. It is an active sign of infection (gingivitis or periodontitis).
- Chronic Bad Breath (Halitosis): A persistent bad taste in the mouth or breath that smells bad regardless of oral hygiene is often caused by bacteria trapped deep in gum pockets.
- Receding Gums: If your teeth look longer than they used to, it is likely because the gum tissue is receding due to infection and bone loss.
- Visible Tartar: Hard, yellow, or brown deposits that build up along the gum line cannot be removed with a toothbrush and harbor aggressive bacteria.
- Swollen or Tender Gums: Healthy gums are firm and pale pink. Red, puffy, or sensitive gums are a signal that your body is fighting an inflammatory infection.
- Loose or Shifting Teeth: As gum disease attacks the bone, teeth may feel loose or begin to drift, creating new gaps in your smile.
If you recognize any of these symptoms, it is vital to seek professional care immediately. Ignoring these signs allows the infection to spread, eventually necessitating more invasive treatments or tooth extraction.
What Is Scaling and Root Planing?
Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical periodontal treatment designed to address gum disease by thoroughly cleaning below the gumline. Unlike a standard dental cleaning, which focuses on the visible surfaces of the teeth, this deep cleaning targets hardened plaque (tartar) and bacteria that have accumulated in periodontal pockets around the teeth.
Specifically, scaling involves carefully removing plaque, tartar, and bacterial toxins from the tooth surfaces and from beneath the gums, while root planing smooths the exposed root surfaces of the teeth. This process removes rough areas where bacteria easily attach and helps the gums reattach more securely to the teeth.
Our Scaling and Root Planing Services in Philadelphia, PA
Our scaling and root planing process is designed with your health and comfort in mind from start to finish. Your treatment will begin with a comprehensive evaluation of your gums and teeth. We measure the depth of your gum pockets, assess inflammation, and review any symptoms you may be experiencing. This allows us to create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
At the time of the procedure, local anesthesia is commonly used to numb the treated areas, so you can remain relaxed and comfortable throughout the cleaning. During scaling, our dental professionals carefully remove plaque and tartar from both above and below the gumline. We then perform root planing to smooth the tooth roots and eliminate bacteria that contribute to infection. Depending on the extent of gum disease, treatment may be completed in one visit or divided into multiple appointments.
After the procedure, we provide detailed aftercare instructions to support healing. Some mild tenderness or sensitivity is normal, but this typically resolves quickly as your gums begin to recover. Follow-up visits may be recommended to monitor your progress and ensure your gums are healing properly.
The Benefits of Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing offer significant benefits for both your oral health and overall well-being. One of the most important advantages is stopping the progression of periodontal disease. By removing harmful bacteria and buildup, this treatment helps prevent further damage to the gums and bone that support your teeth.
Other benefits of our scaling and root planing services in Philadelphia, PA, include:
- Improved Gum Health: After treatment, inflammation is reduced, bleeding often decreases, and gums can begin to reattach to the teeth. This leads to shallower periodontal pockets that are easier to keep clean with daily oral hygiene.
- Reduced Bad Breath: Scaling and root planing can also reduce bad breath caused by trapped bacteria beneath the gums. Many patients notice a fresher, cleaner feeling in their mouths once healing begins.
- Preserved Natural Teeth: Untreated gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults. By addressing the problem early with professional care, you can avoid more invasive procedures in the future.
Protect Your Smile With Expert Periodontal Care
Investing in scaling and root planing is an important step toward preserving your natural teeth, improving gum health, and preventing future dental emergencies. So, if you’ve noticed signs of gum disease or have been advised to seek deep cleaning treatment, don’t wait. Contact Center City Emergency Dentist today to schedule your scaling and root planing appointment in Philadelphia, PA, and protect your smile.