Scaling and Root Planing in South Hadley, MA
Scaling and root planing is an in-depth, thorough cleaning treatment recommended for patients with periodontal disease. Also known as gum disease, this infection is caused by bacteria and plaque building up on the teeth over time and triggering inflammation. While serious, periodontal disease is treatable, but it can lead to bone and tooth loss if not addressed quickly. At Baltazar Dental, Dr. Felicia Baltazar uses scaling and root planing to stop the infection and help your gums heal in South Hadley, MA .
Why Scaling and Root Planing Is Needed
When your gums become inflamed, bacteria hide in pockets that cause the gums to pull away from the teeth. Once these pockets form, it’s nearly impossible to clean them with brushing and flossing alone, and a regular cleaning can’t reach deep enough. Without treatment, the infection continues to damage the gums, ligaments, and bone that hold your teeth in place.
Signs You May Need a Deep Cleaning
- Gums that bleed when brushing or flossing
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Persistent bad breath
- Gums that are receding or pulling away from teeth
- New tooth sensitivity
- Loose or shifting teeth
How the Procedure Works
Scaling
During the scaling portion of this conventional periodontal therapy, our team uses specialized instruments to remove plaque, bacteria, and tartar around the affected teeth and below the gumline, all the way to the bottom of each infected pocket.
Root Planing
After scaling, we move on to root planing. This technique smooths the tooth roots and helps eliminate the pockets created by bacteria. Once the roots are smooth, the gums can reattach to the teeth and have a much greater chance of fully healing.
Comfort and Recovery
Some patients report mild discomfort during the procedure and increased sensitivity afterward. We use local anesthetic as needed and create a personalized treatment plan to help manage any discomfort. Sensitivity typically improves over the following days.
Keeping Gum Disease Under Control
Practicing excellent oral hygiene afterward is essential to keep periodontal disease from returning or worsening. Brush twice daily, floss every day, and keep up with follow-up visits, which may be more frequent than the standard six months. We monitor your progress with digital X-rays and our intraoral camera. If gum disease has led to tooth loss, we can discuss bridges, partial dentures, or other tooth replacement options. Learn more about preventative dentistry and our general dentistry services.
Scaling and Root Planing FAQs
What is scaling and root planing?
Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning that removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline and smooths the tooth roots so the gums can reattach and heal.
How is a deep cleaning different from a regular cleaning?
A regular cleaning focuses on the tooth surfaces above and just below the gumline. A deep cleaning reaches the bottom of infected gum pockets and smooths the roots to treat gum disease.
Does scaling and root planing hurt?
Local anesthetic is used as needed to keep you comfortable. Some patients experience mild discomfort and temporary sensitivity afterward.
How long does recovery take?
Most patients return to normal activities right away. Gum tenderness and sensitivity usually improve within a few days.
Will I need more than one appointment?
Depending on how many areas are affected, treatment may be completed in one visit or divided among several appointments.
Can gum disease come back after treatment?
Yes, without good home care and regular maintenance visits. Consistent brushing, flossing, and follow-up cleanings help keep gum disease under control.
Where can I get scaling and root planing in South Hadley, MA?
Baltazar Dental in South Hadley, MA provides scaling and root planing to treat gum disease. Call (413) 538-7546 to schedule an evaluation.
Restore Your Gum Health
Call Baltazar Dental at (413) 538-7546 to schedule a gum evaluation with Dr. Baltazar in South Hadley, MA .