What is scaling and root planing? Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning procedure performed by your family dentist in downtown Toronto to treat gum disease by removing plaque and tartar below the gumline and smoothing tooth roots to help gums reattach.
Why Your Family Dentist Downtown Toronto Might Recommend Deep Cleaning
Gum disease often begins silently without obvious symptoms. Your family dentist downtown Toronto plays a crucial role in detecting early signs during regular check-ups. When caught in early stages, non-surgical treatments like scaling and root planing can effectively reverse the condition.
According to the Canadian Dental Association, approximately 70% of Canadian adults will develop gum disease at some point in their lives. This makes it one of the most common dental conditions treated by a family dentist downtown Toronto.
At Dental Arts Toronto, located at 350 Front St W, the dental team provides comprehensive periodontal care for patients throughout downtown Toronto. They offer scaling and root planing as an effective treatment for early to moderate gum disease.
How Scaling and Root Planing Differs from Regular Cleanings
What makes deep cleaning different from regular cleanings? While regular cleanings focus on surfaces above the gumline, scaling and root planing performed by your family dentist downtown Toronto cleans below the gums and smooths root surfaces to eliminate infection and promote healing.
Regular Cleaning vs. Deep Cleaning by Your Family Dentist Downtown Toronto
Regular cleanings at your family dentist downtown Toronto typically target areas above the gumline as a preventative measure. These cleanings usually take 30-60 minutes, don’t require anesthesia, and are recommended every six months for most patients.
In contrast, scaling and root planing by your family dentist downtown Toronto focuses on treating active gum disease by cleaning below the gumline and smoothing root surfaces. This procedure usually requires local anesthesia for comfort, takes about an hour per quadrant of your mouth, and is performed as needed based on your condition. After treatment, your family dentist downtown Toronto will likely recommend more frequent maintenance visits every three months rather than the standard six-month recall.
When you visit your family dentist downtown Toronto for a regular check-up, they measure the depth of spaces between your teeth and gums. Healthy gums have pockets measuring 1-3mm deep. Measurements of 4mm or more often indicate gum disease requiring scaling and root planing.
The Scaling and Root Planing Process at Your Downtown Toronto Family Dental Office
What happens during the scaling and root planing procedure? When you visit your family dentist for scaling and root planing, the process typically involves several steps designed for maximum comfort and effectiveness.
Initial Assessment by Your Family Dentist Downtown Toronto
The procedure begins with a thorough examination of your gums. Your family dentist will:
- Take detailed measurements of gum pocket depths
- Assess gum inflammation and bleeding
- Examine for bone loss using dental x-rays
- Create a customized treatment plan
The Deep Cleaning Procedure
During the actual scaling and root planing procedure, your family dentist will:
- Apply local anesthetic to ensure comfort
- Use specialized instruments to remove plaque and tartar below the gumline
- Smooth rough spots on tooth roots where bacteria collect
- Irrigate pockets with antimicrobial solution
- Provide detailed home care instructions
At Dental Arts Toronto, the team uses both manual instruments and ultrasonic scalers to ensure thorough cleaning. The ultrasonic technology breaks up tartar with high-frequency vibrations while using water to flush away debris.
A study published in the Journal of the Canadian Dental Association found that combining manual and ultrasonic scaling techniques results in 26% better plaque removal than either method alone. This combined approach is standard practice at many family dentist offices in downtown Toronto.
Making Deep Cleaning Comfortable at Your Family Dentist Downtown Toronto
How do downtown Toronto family dentists ensure comfort during deep cleaning? Your family dentist uses several techniques to make scaling and root planing as comfortable as possible.
Comfort Measures During Treatment
Dental Arts Toronto employs several strategies to enhance patient comfort:
- Effective local anesthesia to eliminate discomfort
- Breaks as needed during treatment
- Warm water rinses to soothe gum tissues
- Gentle technique with specialized instruments
- Pre-procedure anti-anxiety options if needed
Post-Procedure Care from Your Family Dentist Downtown Toronto
After scaling and root planing, your family dentistwill provide specific instructions to minimize discomfort and promote healing:
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers as recommended
- Rinse with warm salt water to soothe gums
- Avoid hot, spicy, or crunchy foods for a few days
- Continue gentle but thorough brushing and flossing
- Use prescribed antimicrobial mouth rinse if provided
Most patients experience minimal discomfort that resolves within a few days. Your family dentist downtown Toronto will schedule a follow-up visit to evaluate healing and determine if additional treatment is needed.
When Your Family Dentist Downtown Toronto Recommends Scaling and Root Planing
What are the signs you need scaling and root planing? Your family dentist downtown Toronto may recommend this procedure if you show signs of early to moderate gum disease.
Common indicators include:
- Gum pocket depths greater than 4mm
- Bleeding gums during brushing or flossing
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Persistent bad breath
- Slight loosening of teeth
- Receding gums
Early intervention by your family dentist can prevent progression to advanced periodontal disease, which may require surgical treatment.
The Importance of Periodontal Maintenance After Deep Cleaning
What happens after scaling and root planing? Your family dentist will recommend a periodontal maintenance schedule to maintain the results of your deep cleaning.
Ongoing Care Plan
After scaling and root planing, your family dentist downtown Toronto typically recommends:
- Follow-up visit 4-6 weeks after treatment
- Periodontal maintenance visits every 3 months
- Annual comprehensive periodontal evaluation
- Diligent home care with specialized tools
These more frequent visits allow your family dentist to monitor your gum health closely and intervene quickly if signs of disease recur.
Benefits of Choosing a Family Dentist Downtown Toronto for Periodontal Care
Why choose a family dentist for gum disease treatment? A family dentist offers several advantages for periodontal care.
Benefits include:
- Comprehensive knowledge of your overall dental history
- Convenient location for downtown residents and workers
- Ability to treat all family members in one location
- Coordination with specialists if needed
- Consistent care from a team you trust
At Dental Arts Toronto, the dental team provides personalized periodontal care for patients throughout downtown Toronto and surrounding neighborhoods. Their convenient Front Street location makes it easy to maintain your periodontal health.
Schedule Your Gum Health Assessment with a Family Dentist Downtown Toronto
Don’t ignore the signs of gum disease. Early intervention with scaling and root planing from your family dentist downtown Toronto can save your teeth and protect your overall health.
Contact Dental Arts Toronto at (416) 551-4401 to schedule a comprehensive periodontal evaluation. Their experienced team provides gentle, effective scaling and root planing in a comfortable environment at their 350 Front St W location.
