Background: Gum Disease
Gum disease is a chronic inflammation of the gums that damages the gum tissue and bone that supports the teeth. Plaque and calculus that accumulates around the gum and under the gums causes inflammation and infection. If left untreated, teeth may become loose and fall out.
Gum disease can affect individuals of all ages, and most people do not even know they have gum disease!
Symptoms of Gum Disease
- Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
- Swollen or inflamed gums
- Gum recession
- Pain when biting
- Persistent bad breath
- Rocking/loose teeth
- Pus formation in the gums
- Increased teeth sensitivity
Enter: Root Planing
Root planing is a common dental procedure used to treat gum disease, specifically periodontitis. It is a deep cleaning procedure that removes bacteria, plaque, and tartar from below the gum line, and smooths the root surface of the teeth. The goal of root planing is to reduce inflammation, restore the gum tissue to a healthy state, and prevent further damage to the teeth, gums and bone.
The root planing procedure typically involves two stages: scaling and root planing. Scaling is the process of removing the plaque and tartar buildup from the teeth, both above and below the gum line, using specialized dental tools. This helps to eliminate the bacteria that can cause gum disease. Root planing, on the other hand, involves smoothing the surface of the tooth root to remove any rough spots that may harbor bacteria and cause inflammation.
However, it is important to note that root planing is not a permanent solution to gum disease and that it must be accompanied by proper oral hygiene practices, such as brushing twice daily, flossing daily, and regular dental checkups, to maintain good oral health.
Cost of Root Planing
Gum treatment is conducted by quadrants, with typically one quadrant completed per session. More quadrants may be completed if there are less deposits, judging on a case by case basis.
Root Planing
- Local /Topical Anaesthesia
- Deep cleaning under the gums
What To Expect
60-90 mins per session
If not already taken before, we begin with taking x-rays to look for areas of bone loss and deposits under the gum which cannot be seen by just visual examination.
After this, we will proceed to provide either topical or local anaesthesia and begin the root planing process. Your dentist will use a curette to scrape deposits from under your gum.
Post-treatment – If you have been given local anaesthesia, wait until the numbness wears off before eating or you risk biting your tongue and cheek unknowingly. Some sensitivity may occur for a short while after treatment. Swelling or bleeding may occur following the procedure, but this should subside within a few days.
