Periodontal disease, more commonly known as gum disease, is a common oral health condition. One way that it is treated is through a two-step process called scaling and root planing. These periodontal procedures can help to eliminate existing gum disease and keep it from recurring.
If your dentist has recommended scaling and root planing, you may be wondering how long it takes. Here’s what you can expect from this common dental procedure.
What is Periodontal (Gum) Disease?
Gum disease is a bacterial infection of the gum tissue. It is caused by a buildup of plaque on the teeth. Plaque is a sticky film made up of food remnants and bacteria. When it remains on the teeth long enough it hardens into calculus, which is much more difficult to remove. Calculus also contains mature bacteria that are more likely to infect the gums.
When gum disease is present the gum tissue will swell, turn red, and even bleed. Abscesses may develop on the gums, which are white bumps full of pus. Other symptoms include bad breath and loose teeth.
What is Scaling and Root Planing?
In severe cases of gum disease plaque and calculus will form on the surface of the tooth roots under the gum tissue. Scaling is the process of removing the plaque and calculus from the roots of your teeth. It requires special tools that are capable of reaching under the gum tissue to access the roots.
Root planing is the next step after scaling. It involves buffing the surface of the roots of your teeth to provide a smooth surface for the gums to attach more firmly to the roots. This eliminates small spaces between the gums and the roots that plaque can gather, preventing reinfection.
Average Length of a Scaling and Root Planing Procedure
How long does scaling and root planing take? It varies depending on the situation. To do your whole mouth at once, the procedure could take multiple hours. In many cases your dentist will recommend two separate appointments to do each half of your mouth to reduce the total time you will spend in the dental chair.
Factors Affecting the Length of the Procedure
There are a number of factors that affect the length of a scaling and root planing procedure:
- The amount of calculus that has accumulated. All patients are different when it comes to the rate at which they develop calculus and the amount that has accumulated. The more cleaning that needs to be done, the longer the procedure will take.
- The extent of the damage to your teeth and roots. Gum disease can damage the roots of your teeth as well as the support structures for your teeth. The more damage there is, the longer scaling and root planing may take. Additional procedures may need to be done at the same time or scheduled for a later date.
- Which areas of the mouth are being treated. If scaling and root planing is being done on all of your teeth at once, the procedure will take longer than if the process is spread out over multiple appointments. Some patients prefer to get it all done at once and others prefer to divide it up.
- Use and type of anesthesia. In some cases local anesthesia is necessary for scaling and root planing. Patients who are anxious about being in the dental chair may require some sedation. When sedation is used it can extend the length of the procedure, although it will feel shorter for the patient. Sedation can also make it possible for the dentist to work more quickly, so it could also shorten the procedure.
Where Should I Go For Scaling and Root Planing?
If you are in need of scaling and root planing to treat or prevent gum disease, look for a dental practice that offers periodontal procedures. Some patients will require repeat scaling and root planing until gum disease is completely eliminated, and getting this done at your general dentist’s office is convenient. Attleboro Family Dental Care offers scaling and root planing as a part of our wide range of dental and periodontal services. We aim to provide comprehensive dental care to meet all your needs in one location.
Call 508-222-2510 or contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.