Scaling and root planing is a dental medicine procedure in which plaque and calculus are removed from tooth surfaces . It is commonly known as dental deep cleaning. Dental plaque is a film that contains bacteria and accumulates on the teeth, especially on the edge of the gums, between brushing of teeth; Calculus is calcified dental plaque, which is formed over time when it is not completely removed with brushing and flossing; What is the importance of scaling and root planing? Scaling and root planing is designed to prevent the appearance of diseases related to the tooth supporting structures, namely the bone and gums. The presence of plaque and calculus significantly increases the susceptibility to the development of dental caries, gingivitis, and periodontal disease (disease that affects the supporting tissues of the teeth). Other situations are risk factors for the appearance of periodontal disease, as they interfere with our body response to the aggression caused by bacteria in the dental plaque. These include, for example: Tobacco; Stress; Diabetes mellitus; Hormonal disorders; Drugs that decrease saliva production. Pay attention to the signs of your gums! Very red gums; Frequent bleeding; Gingival retraction; Discomfort to the touch. If you have identified any of these signs, seek the care of a dentist , and follow his advice for regular and personalized follow-up. How often should I have a deep cleaning? Ideally, scaling and root planing should be carried out every 6 months . However, this timeframe can vary in patients with specific diseases, related, for example, to gum and bone (gingivitis and periodontitis). I am a smoker. Do frequent scaling prevent premature tooth loss? Tobacco has in its composition some chemical compounds that promote the destruction of the bone around the teeth. For this reason, a smoking patient is more likely to develop periodontal disease. Being a smoker is a risk factor for your gums health and regular dental cleaning is even more important in smokers. Can regular dental deep cleaning harm my teeth or cause tooth sensitivity? During scaling and root planing, the removal of plaque and calculus is usually performed using ultrasound tips that, with their small vibrations, promote the release of stones that are on the dental surface and gums without causing injury to the teeth. After scaling, a greater tooth sensitivity is normal, because the removal of calculus leaves the dental surfaces exposed again in the oral cavity. However, this type of symptoms is transient and disappears shortly after the procedure. Author: Helena Campos Silva Meet the Dentistry team of the Hospital da Luz network and book your appointment. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
