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Dental Scaling and Root Planing

Good dental hygiene habits are essential to maintaining a healthy mouth, but home cleanings are often not enough to protect your teeth and gums. A dentist has tools and techniques available that can provide a more thorough cleaning and protect teeth from decay.

Fife Dental Care recommends you visit the office at least twice a year for an examination and a dental prophy (cleaning); however, some patients may require periodontal therapy (a deep cleaning) and follow up periodontal maintenance care.

Dental Scaling and Root Planing

Dental scaling and root planing removes tartar buildup from teeth to prevent the further development of periodontal disease. Both hand instruments and ultrasonic instruments can be used to break up tartar and remove it from the surface of tooth enamel. The visible surface of your teeth can be cleaned in this way, as well as the surface of the root below the gum line, a procedure called root planing.

What to Expect

Before the procedure, your gums will be numbed with local or topical anesthetic. You can also request sedation to help you relax during the procedure. Afterward, your dentist or hygienist will provide you with hygiene instructions for maintaining oral health and may provide an aftercare product for use while your gums heal as some patients experience slight bleeding and sensitivity after a cleaning.

Dental scaling and root planing treatment is an important step toward oral health. If you’re interested in learning more about this and other procedures offered by Fife Dental Care, contact us today to schedule a consultation!

New Patients & Emergency Appointments Welcome!