Scaling and Root Planning – FAQs

While typical dental hygiene appointments in Centerville, OH, are an important part of your routine dental care, sometimes, teeth cleaning must be a more intensive process. Knowing what to expect will be vital if your dentist recommends a deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing. Take a look at a few of the most common questions associated with deep dental cleaning.

What does scaling and root planning mean?

Scaling and root planing is a type of deep dental cleaning that involves removing calculus and buildup that has collected below the gum line. While standard oral hygiene appointments take care of everything above the gum line, scaling, and root planing is a deeper process. Usually, only certain sections of the mouth are completed during one visit. For example, you may have four appointments, and each will target a section of the mouth.

Is deep dental cleaning painful?

Deep dental cleaning requires the hygienist to go beneath the gum line to clean the base of the tooth. Therefore, there can naturally be more sensitivity due to the interaction with the soft tissue. However, before the cleaning process begins, you will be given injections of local anesthetic. This medication desensitized the areas being targeted to keep you comfortable during the cleaning. You may also have some minimal tenderness after your appointment, but this is manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers.

How long will the appointment take? What about recovery?

An appointment for deep cleaning can take a bit longer than a standard dental hygiene appointment. This is because anesthetic is used, and the cleaning process can be a little more time-consuming. However, most scaling and root planning visits are completed within about 45 to 60 minutes. After the appointment, the gums will begin to heal and reattach to the base of your teeth. The healing process can take a few weeks, but the benefit to your overall dental health can be substantial.

Discuss Your Oral Health with a Centerville Dentist

If you are looking for a good general dentist in Centerville, be sure to look for a compassionate care provider with the collection of services you need. Reach out to the team at Bellbrook Family Dentistry to schedule an appointment.