At SF Dental House in Mission District of San Francisco, we believe that root planning and scaling is one of the most effective ways to treat gum diseases before they become severe. Root planning and scaling is performed using cleaning tools like periodontal scalars and periodontal curettes to clean in-between the gums and teeth down to the roots. When scaling and root planning is being done by our Mission District dentist, we do it by using a local anesthetic to numb the gums and roots of the patient’s teeth so that no pain is felt.
We also use ultrasonic tools for scaling and root planning. These tools are quite comfortable unlike a standard scarping tool. However, not all cleanings require this type of tool. After the treatment, if anesthesia had been used, the patient’s gums and lips would remain numb for a few hours, after which the effect wears off. When you see an expert at the SF Dental House in Mission District San Francisco, Root planning and scaling causes little to no discomfort.
Root planning and scaling is done when the gums have started pulling away from the teeth and roots making them vulnerable to tartar, and hard mineral deposits. If one maintain or practices good oral hygiene after root planning and scaling, gum diseases would stop altogether and the gums would heal and become firm and pink again. A patient should brush and floss regularly after the procedure.