what dose perio scale/ root planing mean?

Question

I just went to the dentist for the first time in 7 years and they want to do what ever that is

Answer 1

Perio scaling is the treatment for perio--dontal disease. Root planning is removing the hardened particles that have attached to the root surface of the tooth under the gums. Normally this treatment is preformed under local anesthetic and takes a couple of visits. I wouldn't do it all at once if you need to be numb. It makes it difficult when you swallow because your tongue will be numb too. You should take an antiinflammatory medication like Advil or Aleve, Motrin before the appointment and then after (as directed). Keeping the area very clean is difficult but very important! Use a soft brush and aim for the gums not just the teeth. Use a wash cloth if you need to that first day, but just keep the plaque off so it will heal. Flossing is very important too. The gums bleed BECAUSE of plaque, not because you cut them with floss. It will stop after the gums are healthy again.
You need to do this treatment because it won't go away....only your teeth eventually will. Gum disease is also associated with heart disease, stroke and Diabetes. It is not as bad as you may think. You will survive it. Start brushing the gums and flossing now, before the treatment and it will make the healing even faster. Good luck.

Answer 2

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
what dose perio scale/ root planing mean?
I just went to the dentist for the first time in 7 years and they want to do what ever that is

Answer 3

They clean / scrape the teeth down under the gumline to cure minor gum disease or prevent worse problems. It helps to restore the seal between the gums and teeth and the health of the tissue there. They use Novocaine. I had it done, it didn't hurt and did seem to tighten up my gums / make my mouth feel much healthier...

It's by no means a last ditch effort... It's the first, simplest thing they try to improve gum health...


If you don't have one of those battery powered tooth brushes yet... get one and spend some time on your gums as well as your teeth with it. There have been stories about the incredible effect these brushes are having on gum health.

rusty has the right idea... but they do not only smooth "exposed roots". They get down in there!!! Believe me!!!... LOL

Answer 4

The periodontist is qualified to do this procedure. It would include removing any plaque and calculus from your teeth. This would be followed by smoothening of the exposed root (which is probably exposed due to gum recession) so that there is no more plaque build up and the gums have a chance to reattach to the root surface

Answer 5

it is a last ditch treatment for gum disease, they scrape your teeth clean of plaque below the gum line.