Scaling and Root Planing in Katy, TX

When it comes to maintaining a healthy smile, it’s not just about taking care of your teeth—your gums play an equally important role in overall oral health. If you’ve been experiencing symptoms like bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, or gum recession, you may be in the early stages of gum disease, also known as periodontitis. Left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss and other serious health problems.

Fortunately, there is an effective treatment that can help manage and even reverse the early stages of gum disease: scaling and root planing. At Katy Lakes Dentistry, we provide professional scaling and root planing treatments to help our patients in Katy, TX, achieve healthier gums and preserve their smile.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about scaling and root planing, including how it works, its benefits, and why it’s an essential treatment for gum disease. We’ll also address common concerns, discuss the cost of treatment, and explain why choosing Katy Lakes Dentistry for your periodontal care is a smart choice.

Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical, deep cleaning procedure designed to treat gum disease by removing plaque and tartar from below the gumline. It’s often referred to as a “deep cleaning” because it goes beyond the typical cleaning you receive during a routine dental visit. Scaling removes plaque and tartar from the tooth surfaces, while root planing smooths the roots of your teeth to prevent bacteria from reattaching.

This treatment is especially important for patients with periodontitis, the advanced stage of gum disease where the gums become inflamed, and the bone supporting the teeth starts to break down. Scaling and root planing can help halt the progression of gum disease, allowing your gums to heal and reattach to the teeth.

Scaling and root planing is typically performed over multiple visits, depending on the severity of your gum disease and the amount of plaque and tartar that needs to be removed. The procedure involves two main steps:

1. Scaling

Scaling is the process of removing plaque and tartar from the surfaces of the teeth and below the gumline. During this phase, our dental hygienist or dentist will use specialized tools to carefully scrape away the buildup of plaque and tartar that has accumulated around the teeth and inside the gum pockets. Removing this buildup is crucial because plaque and tartar harbor harmful bacteria that cause gum inflammation and infection.

2. Root Planing

Root planing is the process of smoothing the surfaces of the tooth roots to make it more difficult for bacteria to adhere to them. When the roots are smoothed, it also encourages the gums to reattach to the teeth, reducing the depth of the gum pockets and promoting healing. By eliminating rough spots on the roots, root planing helps prevent further buildup of plaque and bacteria.

Gum disease is caused by the buildup of plaque—a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth after eating or drinking. If plaque isn’t removed regularly through brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings, it hardens into tartar (calculus), which can only be removed by a dental professional. Tartar buildup can cause the gums to become inflamed, leading to gum disease.

Scaling and root planing is necessary to treat the early and advanced stages of gum disease, especially if you’re experiencing symptoms such as:

• Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
• Persistent bad breath
• Receding gums
• Sensitive teeth
• Loose teeth or changes in bite alignment

Left untreated, gum disease can progress to the point where the supporting bone is damaged, and teeth become loose or fall out. Scaling and root planing help prevent this by removing the bacteria that cause gum disease and allowing the gums to heal.

Scaling and root planing offer several key benefits for patients dealing with gum disease:

1. Prevents Tooth Loss

One of the most serious consequences of gum disease is tooth loss. As the infection progresses, the supporting bone around the teeth is destroyed, leading to loose teeth and eventual tooth loss. Scaling and root planing help to prevent this by removing the harmful bacteria and tartar that cause gum disease, preserving your teeth and bone structure.

2. Reduces Gum Inflammation

Inflamed gums are a common sign of gum disease. Scaling and root planing can reduce gum inflammation by removing the irritants (plaque and tartar) that cause it. This allows the gums to heal and return to a healthy, pink color.

3. Stops Gum Disease from Progressing

If you’re in the early stages of gum disease, scaling and root planing can help stop the disease from progressing. By cleaning out the bacteria that cause infection, this treatment helps to protect the supporting bone and prevent further damage to your oral health.

4. Improves Breath

Bad breath (halitosis) is a common side effect of gum disease. Bacteria trapped in the gum pockets can produce foul-smelling compounds. By removing these bacteria, scaling and root planing can help eliminate bad breath and leave your mouth feeling fresher.

5. Enhances Overall Health

Gum disease has been linked to other health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections. By treating gum disease early with scaling and root planing, you may reduce your risk of developing these health problems.