Root scaling and planing are necessary aspects of keeping your teeth healthy. It involves the removal of tartar and plaque from below the gum line and smoothing out any rough spots on the root surfaces. Visiting our dental office for these dental procedures helps many people prevent gum disease and tooth decay and improve the overall appearance of their teeth. Contact St. Helena Dental Studio today and let our dental hygienist develop a treatment plan to scale your teeth roots.
Root Scaling And Planning St Helena

The Process of Root Scaling at Our Dental Office

The process of root scaling typically involves the following steps:

Numbing: Our dentist will administer a local anesthetic to numb the area being treated.

Scaling: We will use a scaler or ultrasonic instrument to remove plaque and calculus from the tooth's surface and below the gum line.

Planing: Our team will use a special tool called a curette to smooth out the root surfaces of the teeth. This process, called planing, removes any remaining tartar and bacteria from the root surface.

Irrigation: We may flush the gum pockets with an antimicrobial solution to remove any remaining debris and bacteria.

After the procedure, our dentist or hygienist will likely recommend follow-up appointments to monitor the healing process and ensure the gum disease is under control.

Aftercare Tips for Speedy Healing from Root Planing and Scaling

Here are some tips for aftercare following root scaling and planing:

  • Some discomfort, sensitivity, and bleeding may occur after the procedure. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage pain or discomfort. You can also apply a cold compress to your cheeks to reduce swelling.
  • Sticking to soft foods for a few days after the procedure is best to avoid irritating the treated area. Avoid hard or crunchy foods, spicy or acidic foods, hot or cold beverages, alcohol, and tobacco.
  • Brush your teeth gently twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. You can also rinse your mouth with a saltwater solution to promote healing. Avoid using mouthwash for at least 24 hours after the procedure.
  • Our dentist may prescribe antibiotics or antimicrobial mouthwash to prevent infection. Follow the instructions carefully and use them as prescribed.

Your gums may take several days or weeks to heal after root scaling and planing fully. Be patient and continue caring for your teeth and gums to promote proper healing.


All-on-4® Versus Dentures

There are several ways in which All-on-4® implants are better than dentures. Patients take care of All-on-4® implants in the same way they care for their natural teeth by brushing each day. The implants also operate in the same way as natural teeth, so the patient does not have to be cautious of what he or she eats. Along with the fact that patients do not have to remove All-on-4® implants when eating or cleaning the teeth, there is also no need for uncomfortable wires or brackets to hold the implants in place. Even more importantly for patients, the dental implants allow anyone to eat what the heart desires. You do not have to worry about hot or cold affecting your dentures. You also can bite down with up to 70 percent more force, which allows you to eat the foods that you love. Finally, All-on-4® implants look exactly like your natural teeth. No one will be able to tell that you are wearing a dental prosthetic. From a dental health perspective, it is important to note that when you have All-on-4® implants, it is going to prevent bone deterioration in the jawbone and ultimately restore your facial features by fighting resorption. The process of resorption involves the implants stimulating the jaw to send a message to the body that the jaw is supporting teeth once again. Resorption will help the jawbone to regain some of the mass that it has lost previously. Many of our patients who visit our office notice a difference in their facial structure as a result.

Approach Our Dentist for Root Scaling Planing and Treatment

At our dental practice, we offer root scaling and planing as an effective treatment for gum disease. It is a non-surgical procedure that involves removing the bacteria and plaque from the root surfaces of your teeth, thus reducing inflammation and promoting gum healing. Our team of highly qualified dental professionals is committed to providing you with the best possible care. We use state-of-the-art technology and techniques to ensure your experience is as comfortable and painless as possible. We are here to help you achieve optimal oral health and a beautiful smile! Feel free to call St. Helena Dental Studio.
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The Process of Getting All-on-4® at St. Helena Dental Studio

Typically, the surgery takes approximately two hours and 30 minutes per arch. We can install your All-on-4® implants on your upper, lower, or both arches at the same time. While a dentist may make the process look easy, the surgery is a complex procedure that we can complete at an efficient pace. The process of getting All-on-4® implants can be laid out in four steps:
01.
A detailed examination where we will look at your records, existing conditions, whether you have a denture, what your facial structure needs are, and any other factors that may come into play when placing your implants.
02.
Typically involves CT scans, which are 3D pictures, of the jawbone. The scans include the positions of the replacement teeth, while also giving us critical information about where the bone sinuses and nerves are located for the implants.
03.
Involves creating a computer simulation of the implants, which we digitally position into the jawbone at the appropriate location to give you the most support from your replacement teeth. We can adjust the implants as need be and fabricate your new set of teeth for your needs.
04.
Finally, the most important step is the oral surgery. During surgery, we will provide you with anesthesia and then place the implants directly into your jawbone to secure your new set of teeth in place.