Routine dental cleanings leave your pearly whites sparkling and your gums feeling fresh. But, sometimes, routine dental cleanings aren’t enough to tackle big issues, like advanced gum disease. In these cases, periodontics (like dental scaling and root planing) are the best way to keep your teeth and gums in optimal working condition.
Could your smile use a deep clean? Contact Dr. Julie Glud at Dental Care of Lombard to find out. You can reach our dental clinic in Lombard, IL, by dialing (630) 629-5700 to learn more about scaling and root planing.
The Mission: Removing Plaque and Tartar
The primary reason to seek scaling and root planing is to remove pesky plaque and tartar. These bio-substances pose a major threat to our teeth and gums, which is why removing them regularly is a must.
The best way to remove hard-to-reach tartar and plaque is with specialized dental tools known as scalers. These tools can easily remove food and plaque buildup in areas that ordinary toothbrushes and floss simply cannot reach.
But why is plaque and tartar removal so important? Let’s explore.
The Villain: Plaque!
Plaque, my friends, is the sneaky villain responsible for causing all sorts of dental woes, like:
- Cavities
- Enamel erosion
- Gum disease
- Bad breath
But what exactly is plaque? Well, it’s a sticky residue consisting of oral bacteria and left behind food particles. Oral bacteria love to feast on residual food debris stuck on teeth, especially in those hard-to-reach nooks and crannies in your smile.
But fear not! The scaler swoops in to save the day!
The Process: Gentle Yet Effective
With its gentle yet effective movements, the scaler carefully scrapes away plaque and tartar from the exterior of your teeth and along the gumline. It’s like giving your teeth a refreshing spa treatment!
Preventing Future Dental Disasters
But wait, there’s more! Dental scaling isn’t just about removing plaque and tartar. It’s also about preventing future dental disasters. By getting rid of all that gunk, you’re giving your gums a chance to breathe and your teeth a clean slate to shine on.
Does scaling hurt?
Now, we know what you’re thinking: Does dental scaling hurt? Well, fear not, brave smile-seeker! While you might feel a little pressure and vibrations during the process, it’s generally painless. And trust us, the results are totally worth it!
Post-Scaling Sensation
After your dental scaling adventure, you’ll walk out of our Lombard dental office feeling like a brand new you. Your teeth will feel smoother than a polished pearl, and your gums will thank you with a fresh, minty-fresh sensation.
Want to preserve these results for as long as possible? Our Lombard dentist recommends;
- Brushing and flossing after meals, snacks, and non-water beverages
- Quitting smoking and reducing alcohol intake
- Attending twice-yearly maintenance cleanings
Maintenance: Regular Scaling
That’s right, folks – dental scaling isn’t just a one-time deal. It’s like brushing and flossing, as it is something you should do regularly to keep your smile shining bright.
Dr. Glud might recommend getting a dental scaling every six months to a year, depending on your individual needs. Our team can work with you to determine a personalized treatment schedule tailored to your exact needs for optimal results.
What is root planing?
First things first, let’s talk about what root planing actually is. Root planing is like giving your teeth’s roots a makeover. It’s a specialized dental procedure designed to deep clean the roots of your teeth, targeting areas where plaque and tartar have made themselves at home.
The Need for Root Planing
Now, you might be wondering, “Why on Earth would I need root planing after dental scaling?” Well, my friend, there are a few reasons why you might require this procedure, such as:
Gum Disease
Gum disease is a pervasive problem that affects approximately 50% of all people aged 30 and over. If you’re battling gum disease (like gingivitis or its more advanced form, periodontitis), root planing could be just what the dentist ordered.
Gum disease occurs when food and bacteria accumulate along the gumline, causing inflammation and potential damage to the supporting structures of your teeth. Root planing helps to remove bacterial and food buildup, giving your gums a chance to heal.
Deep Pockets
No, we’re not talking about pockets for your loose change. We’re talking about those pesky pockets that form between your gums and teeth when gum disease takes hold.
These pockets can become hotbeds for microbial growth, leading to further gum tissue damage. Root planing can help to smooth out these surfaces, making it harder for bacteria to hang out and wreak havoc.
Tartar Buildup
Despite our best efforts with brushing and flossing, tartar can still sneak its way onto our teeth and below the gumline.
Once tartar sets up camp, it can only be removed with the help of a dental professional. That’s where root planing comes in! This procedure effectively eliminates tartar buildup, restoring your teeth and gums to their former glory.
The Root Planing Process
Okay, now that we know why root planing is important, let’s talk about what actually happens during the procedure.
First off, our Lombard dentist numbs your mouth using some local anesthesia to ensure you’re comfortable throughout the process.
Then, Dr. Glud and her team will use special tools to gently remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria from the roots of your teeth. It’s like giving your teeth a deep tissue massage but for your roots!
Post-Root Planing Care
Once your root planing adventure is complete, Dr. Glud may recommend some additional steps to keep your smile in tip-top shape. This might include:
- Regular follow-up appointments
- Diligent brushing and flossing
- Antimicrobial mouth rinses
- Lifestyle changes
Gentle Scaling and Root Planing in Lombard, IL
Dental scaling and root planing play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy mouth. Contact Dr. Julie Glud at Dental Care of Lombard if your smile could benefit from these treatments. You can request appointments online, or call our Lombard, IL, dental office at (630) 629-5700 for scheduling and information.
