Scaling & Root Planing – North Dallas, TX

Removing Harmful Plaque to Improve Gum Health

Woman holding her cheek in pain and needing gum disease treatment in North Dallas

At Dental Attraction, Dr. Rouhani is all-too-familiar with the consequences that can occur when harmful plaque and bacteria attack a person’s soft oral tissues. As gum disease develops, it can begin as a reversible process (gingivitis) and quickly escalate into a more serious and damaging condition known as periodontitis. If left untreated, the infection can spread deep into the gum pockets and enter the bloodstream, wreaking havoc throughout the body (i.e. diabetes, heart attack, stroke, Alzheimer’s, Dementia). Fortunately, there is a gum disease treatment in North Dallas that can combat this advancing problem and work to restore your gum health – scaling & root planing. If you’re interested in learning more about this unique procedure that helps to reattach your gum tissue to your tooth root and removes plaque and bacteria, contact our office today!

Who Needs Scaling & Root Planing?

A young female patient having her teeth and gums checked by a dental professional

Scaling & root planing is performed on individuals who have any of the following problems associated with gum disease:

Receding gums or teeth that appear elongated
Bleeding when brushing and flossing
Gum pocket formations that are easily trapping bacteria and food particles
Loosening teeth that can lead to tooth loss or bone resorption
Increased accumulations of plaque and tartar around the gum line

How Does Scaling & Root Planing Work?

A digital image of plaque being removed during a scaling and root planning procedure

When learning that you require scaling & root planing in North Dallas to improve your gum health, Dr. Rouhani first begins by explaining the process and what you can expect. Because they are two different treatments, scaling is performed first, as he and his team will need to effectively remove the plaque and tartar accumulations around your teeth and gum line using a specialized dental instrument.

Once this is complete, the next phase is to incorporate root planing. When gum pockets develop as a result of periodontitis, the tissue begins to pull away from the tooth root. To bring these back together, he will smooth out the tooth roots, which will encourage and promote reattachment as well as reduce future gum recession.

Why is the Procedure Beneficial?

A middle aged man looking at his healthier smile after undergoing gum disease treatment

Apart from the obvious benefit that it helps to restore gum health, scaling & root planing is also beneficial because:

It can help to minimize the likeliness that future reinfection will occur
It keeps any infection from entering into your bloodstream and causing problems of your heart, brain, and other areas of the body
It allows you to keep your natural teeth and avoid tooth replacement solutions (i.e. dentures, dental implants, fixed bridge)
It offers you the chance to embrace a more aesthetically pleasing smile

Aftercare Instructions

A young woman eating yogurt with a few pieces of fruit while recovering from her scaling and root planning procedure

Some patients receive a form of anesthesia before a scaling & root planing procedure. If you do, make sure that you avoid eating or chewing until it wears off to prevent accidental damage to your soft tissues. You should also:

Eat softer foods in the first 48 hours post-treatment
Avoid alcohol, smoking or using tobacco of any kind for at least 3 days
Take any pain medications or antibiotics as instructed
Perform a warm saltwater rinse to ease any discomfort
Maintain good oral hygiene but be mindful and gentle of brushing around your gum line. Make sure to only use a soft-bristled toothbrush