Dental Articles - Ajax

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Deep scaling and root planing is a procedure performed to remove tartar and calculus from the surface of your teeth. It’s not a replacement for regular dental cleanings but can help prevent gum disease and tooth decay.

The procedure is usually done on an outpatient basis at a dental office. During the procedure, the dentist uses special instruments to remove plaque from between your teeth. This helps keep your teeth healthy by preventing bacteria from building up.

Deep scaling and root planing prevent gum disease by removing plaque that causes inflammation in your gums. If you don’t remove this plaque regularly, it can lead to periodontal disease — an infection that affects the tissue around your teeth and gums.

How is Scaling and Root Planing Done?

A dentist does deep cleaning and root planning. The procedure involves removing excess gum tissue, which can cause gingivitis and other dental problems.

The procedure begins with an examination of your mouth, and the dentist will perform an x-ray of the teeth, mouth, and jaw to determine where you have plaque build-up and other conditions that require treatment.

Once the dentist determines the best course of action for you, he will numb your gums with local anesthesia to scrape excess tartar from your teeth using special instruments called scalers. This removes layers of plaque between the teeth and beneath them, preventing them from building up again later in life when it could lead to serious problems such as tooth decay or gum disease (periodontitis).

After scraping away all the tartar, your dentist may apply an antibiotic rinse to help prevent any infection from developing while he works on other areas of your mouth.

What to Expect After the Procedure

After your deep scaling and root planing in Ajax, ON, you can expect some soreness in your gums. This is normal and should go away within a few days. You may also have some sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks. This can last for a few weeks. To help with the discomfort, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. You should also avoid hard or crunchy foods for a few days.

Pain Management Tips

If you’ve just had deep scaling and root planning done, you may wonder how to manage the pain afterward. Here are some tips:

• Take over-the-counter pain medication as needed.
• Apply a cold compress for 20 minutes several times a day.
• Rinse your mouth with warm, saline water several times a day.
• Avoid hard or crunchy foods, sticking to softer items like soup, mashed potatoes, or yogurt.
• Drink plenty of water. Water helps to keep your body hydrated and can also help to flush out toxins that can contribute to pain and inflammation.
• Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables to help reduce inflammation and pain.
• Avoid processed foods, sugary drinks, and alcohol. These foods can trigger inflammation or make existing inflammation worse.
• Consider taking supplements. Supplements like omega-3 fatty acids or turmeric can help reduce inflammation, leading to less pain.
• Avoid hot or cold foods and drinks for the first few days after treatment. Eating or drinking anything too hot or too cold can cause discomfort. Stick to lukewarm beverages and soft foods instead.
• Gently brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Be sure to avoid scrubbing too hard, as this can irritate your gums.
• Avoid tobacco use of any kind during the healing process. This includes cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and chewing tobacco.
• Avoid hot beverages and foods as they can increase swelling and pain in the treated area.
• Avoid alcohol because it can interfere with the healing process.
• Avoid vigorous exercise or activities that put stress on the treated area. This includes jogging, lifting weights, and contact sports.

Schedule an Appointment

Deep scaling and root planing are important procedures for treating gum disease, but you may experience pain and discomfort afterward. With the right aftercare tips, you can manage the pain effectively. Visit Rossland Landing Dental Care for more information about deep scaling and root planning.

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Dentist Ajax