Gum disease affects nearly half of Canadian adults over age 30. Left untreated, it progresses from mild inflammation to severe infection that destroys bone and causes tooth loss. However, scaling and root planing can stop disease progression and restore gum health.
Let me explain this deep cleaning procedure your dentist in uptown Toronto uses to treat periodontal disease. You’ll learn about the techniques and instruments involved, plus the maintenance program that keeps gums healthy long-term.
Understanding Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing, often called deep cleaning, goes beyond regular dental cleanings. This procedure removes bacteria and buildup from below the gum line where regular brushing can’t reach.
Why Deep Cleaning Is Necessary
Healthy gums fit snugly around teeth with shallow pockets measuring 1 to 3 millimeters. Gum disease causes these pockets to deepen as infection destroys connective tissue. Deep pockets harbour bacteria that continue damaging gums and bone.
Regular cleanings only address areas above the gum line. Once pockets deepen beyond 4 millimeters, specialized deep cleaning becomes necessary. Your dentist in uptown Toronto uses scaling and root planing to access and clean these diseased pockets.
Without treatment, gum disease progresses inevitably. Bacteria multiply in deep pockets, releasing toxins that destroy bone supporting teeth. Eventually, teeth loosen and may require extraction. Deep cleaning prevents this progression.
The Two-Part Procedure
Scaling removes tartar, bacteria, and toxins from tooth surfaces and below the gum line. Your dentist in uptown Toronto carefully cleans each tooth surface down to the bottom of periodontal pockets. This eliminates the bacterial colonies causing inflammation.
Root planing smooths rough spots on tooth roots. Bacteria cling easily to rough surfaces. Smoothing roots discourages bacterial recolonization and helps gums reattach to teeth. Together, these procedures create an environment where gums can heal.
At Dental Arts At Front, located at 350 Front St W in uptown Toronto, we typically divide treatment into sections. Most patients have their mouth treated in two to four appointments, addressing one or two quadrants per visit.
Deep Cleaning Techniques and Instruments
Your dentist in uptown Toronto uses specialized tools that reach deep below the gum line. Modern technology combines with traditional techniques for optimal results.
Ultrasonic Scalers
Ultrasonic instruments use high-frequency vibrations to break up tartar deposits. The scaler tip vibrates thousands of times per second, shattering hardened buildup efficiently. Water irrigation accompanies the vibrations, flushing debris from pockets.
These devices work quickly on heavy tartar accumulation. The vibrations also disrupt bacterial cell walls, reducing infection. Most patients find ultrasonic scaling more comfortable than traditional hand scaling alone.
The water spray keeps the treatment area cool and provides continuous flushing. This removes loosened debris and bacteria from pockets as we work. Your dentist in uptown Toronto adjusts the power setting based on tartar hardness and your comfort level.
Hand Instruments
After ultrasonic scaling, hand instruments refine the cleaning. Curettes are specially designed tools with curved tips that fit below the gum line. Different curettes access different tooth surfaces and root contours.
Your dentist in uptown Toronto uses hand instruments with careful precision. We feel for remaining rough spots and tartar deposits that ultrasonic scalers might miss. Hand scaling ensures complete removal of all deposits.
These instruments also allow better tactile feedback. We can assess root smoothness by feel, ensuring thorough root planing. This attention to detail improves healing outcomes and reduces the need for retreatment.
Combination Approach
Most dentists in uptown Toronto use both ultrasonic and hand instruments during scaling and root planing. Ultrasonic tools efficiently remove bulk deposits. Hand instruments provide detailed finishing work.
This combination approach delivers superior results compared to either method alone. Research shows better outcomes when dentists use both techniques together. Patients experience more thorough cleaning and better long-term gum health.
Local Anesthesia for Comfort
Deep cleaning reaches below the gum line into sensitive areas. Local anesthesia ensures you feel no discomfort during the procedure. Your dentist in uptown Toronto numbs the treatment area before beginning.
Most patients receive injections that numb one or two quadrants per appointment. This allows thorough, comfortable cleaning without rushing. You’ll feel pressure sensations but no pain during treatment.
The numbness typically lasts two to four hours after your appointment. Plan accordingly and avoid eating until feeling returns completely. This prevents accidentally biting your cheek or tongue.
The Procedure Step-by-Step
Understanding what happens during scaling and root planing helps you feel more prepared and comfortable.
Initial Assessment
Your appointment begins with examination and pocket measurements. Your dentist in uptown Toronto probes around each tooth, noting pocket depths. This mapping guides treatment and provides baseline measurements for future comparison.
We also review X-rays to assess bone loss patterns. These images show the severity of disease and help predict treatment outcomes. Understanding your specific situation allows customized treatment planning.
Anesthesia Administration
Once you’re comfortable in the chair, local anesthetic is administered. Multiple injections ensure complete numbness in the treatment area. We wait several minutes for the anesthetic to take full effect before beginning.
Let us know if you feel any discomfort once we start working. Additional anesthetic can be provided if needed. Your comfort is essential for thorough treatment.
Scaling Process
Treatment begins with ultrasonic scaling. Your dentist in uptown Toronto systematically works through each tooth in the quadrant. The scaler tip reaches below the gum line, breaking up tartar deposits.
You’ll hear the vibration and feel water spray. These sensations are normal and shouldn’t cause discomfort. The process continues until all visible and subgingival tartar is removed.
Root Planing
Hand instruments follow ultrasonic scaling. Curettes smooth each root surface methodically. Your dentist in uptown Toronto works carefully to remove any remaining deposits and create smooth root surfaces.
This portion takes longer as we ensure complete smoothness. Rough areas are planed until they feel glassy smooth to the touch. This thoroughness improves healing and long-term results.
Final Rinse and Evaluation
After completing scaling and root planing, the area is rinsed thoroughly. Your dentist in uptown Toronto checks each tooth to ensure complete cleaning. Any remaining deposits receive additional attention.
We may apply antimicrobial medication into deep pockets. These medications reduce bacteria levels and support healing. Not all cases require this additional step, but it’s helpful for severe infections.
Post-Treatment Care and Healing
Proper aftercare ensures optimal healing following scaling and root planing. Your dentist in uptown Toronto provides specific instructions for the days following treatment.
Immediate Aftercare
Some tenderness and sensitivity are normal for several days. Over-the-counter pain relievers manage any discomfort effectively. Most patients report minimal pain, describing it as mild soreness.
Gums may bleed slightly when brushing for the first few days. This improves quickly as inflammation decreases. Gentle brushing and flossing should continue despite minor bleeding.
Avoid extremely hot, cold, or spicy foods if teeth feel sensitive. This sensitivity typically resolves within a week as gums begin healing.
Healing Timeline
Gum tissue begins healing within days of scaling and root planing. Inflammation decreases noticeably within the first week. Pockets start to shrink as gums reattach to cleaner tooth surfaces.
Full healing takes several weeks to months. Bone regeneration, if it occurs, happens very slowly over many months. Your dentist in uptown Toronto monitors healing at follow-up appointments.
Most patients notice improvement quickly. Bleeding during brushing stops, and gums appear pinker and healthier. Bad breath often improves dramatically as bacterial levels decrease.
Follow-Up Maintenance Programs
Scaling and root planing treats existing gum disease. However, maintaining results requires ongoing commitment. Your dentist in uptown Toronto recommends a customized maintenance program.
Periodontal Maintenance Cleanings
After completing scaling and root planing, you’ll transition to periodontal maintenance. These specialized cleanings occur every three to four months rather than twice yearly. More frequent visits prevent disease recurrence.
Maintenance cleanings focus on areas previously affected by disease. Your dentist in uptown Toronto carefully cleans below the gum line, removing any new accumulation before it causes problems. Pocket depths are measured at each visit to track stability.
These appointments are typically shorter and less involved than the original deep cleaning. They prevent problems rather than treating advanced disease. Think of them as investment in maintaining the health you’ve regained.
Home Care Excellence
Professional maintenance alone isn’t sufficient. Daily home care determines long-term success. Your dentist in uptown Toronto emphasizes proper brushing and flossing techniques.
Brush twice daily for two full minutes using a soft-bristled brush. Position bristles at a 45-degree angle to the gum line where bacteria accumulate. Electric toothbrushes often provide superior cleaning for gum disease patients.
Floss once daily, carefully sliding floss below the gum line around each tooth. This removes plaque from between teeth where brushing can’t reach. Water flossers provide an effective alternative for patients who struggle with traditional floss.
Lifestyle Factors
Smoking dramatically increases gum disease recurrence risk. If you smoke, quitting is the single most important step for maintaining gum health. Your dentist in uptown Toronto can provide cessation resources and support.
Stress affects immune function and can trigger disease flares. Managing stress through exercise, adequate sleep, and relaxation techniques supports gum health. Some patients notice gum inflammation increases during particularly stressful periods.
Diabetes and gum disease have a two-way relationship. Controlling blood sugar helps maintain gum health. Well-controlled diabetes doesn’t significantly increase recurrence risk compared to non-diabetics.
Long-Term Success
Most patients who complete scaling and root planing and maintain regular care achieve stable gum health. Pockets shrink, bleeding stops, and bone loss halts. Many patients maintain their teeth for life with proper ongoing care.
However, gum disease is chronic. Without continued maintenance, it returns. Your commitment to follow-up appointments and excellent home care determines long-term outcomes.
At Dental Arts At Front in uptown Toronto, we partner with you throughout your periodontal journey. From initial treatment through lifelong maintenance, we provide the professional care and guidance you need.
Take Action for Your Gum Health
Gum disease won’t improve on its own. If you’ve been diagnosed with periodontal disease or notice symptoms like bleeding gums, bad breath, or loose teeth, don’t delay treatment. Scaling and root planing can restore your gum health and prevent tooth loss.
Contact Dental Arts At Front at (416) 551-4401 to schedule your evaluation. We’re located at 350 Front St W in Toronto, where your dentist in uptown Toronto provides comprehensive periodontal care.
Early treatment is simpler, more comfortable, and more successful. Let’s work together to restore and maintain your gum health for life.
