Scaling and Root Planing in Los Angeles

Deep Cleaning or Periodontal Scaling and Root Planing in Downtown Los Angeles

Periodontal scaling and root planing in Los Angeles ( also called deep cleaning) is a restorative dental procedure involving the removal of plaque and calculus/tartar stuck above and below the gumline. Scaling and root planing in Los Angeles is necessary for prevention and treatment of periodontal disease - gingivitis and periodontitis.

Periodontal & Gum Disease in Los Angeles

Periodontal disease is initiated by the long-term buildup of dental plaque and calculus. Over time, this plaque hardens into tartar, and bacteria spread to the gums. This process leads to gingivitis (early gum disease) and eventually periodontitis. Periodontitis is a severe inflammatory disease that affects the gums, bones, and surrounding tissues.

Symptoms of gum disease range from mild (gingivitis) to extreme (periodontitis) and can include:

  • red and swollen gums
  • inflammation below or around the gumline
  • gums that bleed on probing or when flossing
  • bad breath, even after brushing
  • loose teeth or gums that pull away from teeth
  • pus between the teeth and gums
  • sudden teeth misalignment or an incorrect bite

Scaling and Root Planing in Los Angeles

Scaling and root planing involves the removal of plaque, hardened tartar (calculus), and stains from a patient’s teeth and tooth roots. Most Los Angeles periodontists and dentists typically perform the procedure in two appointments. During the first appointment, they clean the first upper and lower quadrants of one side of your mouth. Then the other two quadrants are cleaned in the second appointment.

After administration of local anesthesia, your Los Angeles periodontic dentist will perform subgingival scaling, which is when a dentist, periodontist, or dental hygienist removes plaque and calculus beneath the gums, between the gums, and on the base of teeth crowns. Scaling is either done manually or with an ultrasonic instrument. Both techniques loosen plaque and remove hardened tartar, but our office performs/recommends ultrasonic cleaning as more effective and less potentially damaging method. Teeth and root surfaces are cleaned and scraped in a vertical, circular, or horizontal motion.

During the procedure, a dentist cleans deep below the gums to remove plaque and tartar buildup on the roots of teeth where the bones are affected by the infection. Root planing involves the complete removal of cementum, which is the calcified film that covers a tooth’s root.

Los Angeles Scaling and Root Planing Aftercare

After scaling and root planing in Los Angeles is complete, your dentist will flush the area to remove any remaining bacteria. Then the dentist will apply pressure to ensure proper gum tissue growth. Patients typically experience minor pain after the procedure.

Follow-up appointment will be necessary a few weeks after treatment. This is when your Los Angeles periodontic dentist will examine the healing gums and ensure the periodontal pockets have decreased in size. If the pockets are deeper than 3mm, another procedure may be needed.

Properly healed gums will appear as well-adapted, firm, and normally shaped tissue. Practicing good oral hygiene is necessary to prevent recurrence of gingivitis or periodontitis.

Ultimately, the best gum desease treatment in Los Angeles is not to need periodontal scaling and root planing. Prevention is the best medicine. You can dramatically decrease your risk of developing gingivitis, periondontitis, and gum disease simply by brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, eating a balanced diet, and visiting your favorite Los Angeles dentist office twice a year for routine dental cleanings.