Scaling and Root Planing in Bakersfield, CA

Stop Gum Disease in its Tracks

Are you experiencing signs of early-stage gum disease, such as swelling, red gums, or bleeding? If so, our Bakersfield, CA, dentist can help. Don’t let gum disease progress into further stages and cause more issues, including tooth loss. Scaling and root planing, a specific type of dental cleaning, can help remove the plaque and tartar buildup and reverse the effects of early-stage gum disease.

If you’re experiencing gum disease symptoms, contact our dentist in Bakersfield today by calling 661-664-9900 to schedule an appointment. We’ll help treat gum disease and get your oral health back on the right track!

What Is Scaling and Root Planing?

Scaling and root planing, or deep cleaning, is a non-surgical procedure used to treat periodontal disease. It involves the removal of plaque and tartar buildup below the gum line, smoothing out the tooth root to prevent further bacterial growth. The scaling and root planing processes are performed together during one appointment to improve oral health and prevent gum disease from progressing into irreversible territory.

How it works:

• Scaling: Our Bakersfield dentist or dental hygienist uses a hand instrument or ultrasonic device to remove plaque and tartar from the crowns of the teeth and below the gum line. The goal is to eliminate the bacterial deposits that contribute to gum inflammation and disease. Teeth scaling helps prevent further progression of gum disease and promotes better oral health.
• Root planing: They’ll use an instrument to smooth the root surfaces of the teeth. The roots may develop rough surfaces due to the presence of tartar and bacterial deposits. By smoothing these surfaces, root planing makes it more difficult for bacteria to adhere to the roots, promoting healing and reducing the risk of future infection. Root planing helps the gums reattach to the teeth and prevents the progression of periodontal disease.

Scaling and Root Planing Benefits

For those showing signs of early-stage gum disease, periodontal scaling and root planing can provide you with the following benefits:

• Prevents gum disease from progressing into periodontitis
• Reduces the risk of tooth loss
• Eliminates bad breath
• Improves overall oral health
• Can save you money on future dental treatments
• Decreases gum bleeding

Don’t live with gum disease! Contact our dentist in Bakersfield today to get an appointment scheduled and your oral health back on track. 

Who Needs Scaling and Root Planing Procedures?

Scaling and root planing are necessary when there’s an excessive build-up of plaque and tartar that has caused gum inflammation, bleeding, and even bone loss. A deep cleaning may be recommended by our dentist if:

• There’s moderate to severe gum disease, also known as periodontitis.
• There’s a significant amount of plaque and tartar buildup on the teeth and gums.
• There’s bleeding, inflammation, and recession of the gums.
• When there are deep pockets between the teeth and gums that have formed due to gum disease.
• When some loose teeth or teeth have shifted due to gum disease.

How the Scaling and Root Planing Process Works

At Gentle Family Dentistry, you can expect the following during your scaling and root planing appointment:

1. Assessment and Diagnosis: Our Bakersfield dentist will evaluate the extent of gum disease through dental X-rays and measurements of the gum pockets.
2. Local Anesthetic: Scaling and root planing can cause some discomfort, especially when working below the gumline. To ensure your comfort during the procedure, our dentist may administer a local anesthetic to numb the affected areas. This is commonly done to minimize any potential pain or sensitivity.
3. Scaling: The first part of the process involves scaling. This includes cleaning both above and below the gumline. Ultrasonic scalers, which use vibrations and water to break down and remove tartar, are often used by our dental team.
4. Root Planing: Once the teeth are scaled, Dr. Garger will move on to root planing. This step involves smoothing out the rough surfaces of the tooth roots. By doing this, we aim to remove any remaining bacteria and toxins while creating a clean surface that makes it more difficult for new bacteria to adhere.
5. Antibacterial Treatment (Optional): In some cases, our dentist may apply an antimicrobial agent or antibiotic directly to the treated areas to further eliminate bacteria and promote healing.
6. Follow-Up and Maintenance: After your scaling and root planing procedure, Dr. Garger will likely schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress. It’s crucial to maintain good oral hygiene habits, including regular brushing and flossing, to prevent the recurrence of gum disease.

Caring for Your Teeth After Treatment

After your scaling and root planing procedure, you’ll want to take care of your oral health to ensure gum disease doesn’t come back. Dr. Jonathan Garger may recommend doing the following:

• Follow a good oral hygiene routine, including brushing twice a day and flossing daily.
• Use an antibacterial mouthwash as prescribed by your dentist.
• Avoid eating hard, crunchy, or sticky foods for a few days.
• Attend regular dental cleanings to monitor your oral health.

Potential Risks of Scaling and Root Planing

Like any dental procedure, there are some risks patients should be aware of. Risks associated with deep cleanings include:

• Tooth Sensitivity: After scaling and root planing, you may experience some sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, as well as sweet or sour foods. This usually subsides within a few days to a week.
• Gum Recession: In some cases, deep cleanings can cause the gums to recede, or pull away from the teeth. This can make the teeth appear longer and expose the tooth roots, which can be sensitive to cold temperatures.
• Infection: Dental scaling and root planing involve removing bacteria from the gums and teeth. However, in some cases, the procedure can introduce bacteria into the bloodstream, which can potentially cause infections in other parts of the body.
• Pain: Some patients may experience discomfort or pain during and after a deep cleaning. This is usually mild and can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.

Scaling and Root Planing Costs

Patients can expect to spend a bit more for scaling and root planing than normal teeth cleaning. For patients in Bakersfield, CA, scaling and root planing averages $150 to $300 per quadrant. However, dental insurance may cover a portion of the expenses. If you have any questions about the cost of treatment, contact Gentle Family Dentistry today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Reverse Your Periodontal Disease With Our Bakersfield Dentist

At Gentle Family Dentistry, our dental team can effectively treat your periodontal disease with a scaling and root planing treatment. This type of deep cleaning can help improve your oral health and prevent tooth loss. If you suspect you have gum disease, seek prompt treatment from our dentist. Contact our dentist in Bakersfield to schedule your appointment today!