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Plenty of people have gingivitis and may go on to develop gum disease. When they do, they will need to get the condition treated or it will lead to many more problems. Root planing is a useful procedure to stop the progression of gum disease.

Root planing and scaling are two procedures that are often combined. Scaling refers to the process of removing tartar on the surfaces of your teeth. Planing goes a bit deeper and removes tartar that has formed beneath the gumline all the way down to the root surfaces.

It may sound like a terrifying procedure, but it’s really not. There’s no need to be afraid of getting this procedure done as you would with a root canal since you likely won’t experience much discomfort with root planing.

The dentist will likely use anesthetic to numb your tooth roots and gums. A standard scraping tool will then be used to remove tartar on the surfaces of your teeth as well as below the gumline. Sometimes, the dentist may use an ultrasonic tool instead, which is even more comfortable for the patient.

Sometimes, root planing can lead to additional problems. It provides a way for bacteria to get into your bloodstream. The tissues surround your teeth may also become infected. It is especially risky for people with a high risk of severe infections to undergo this procedure.

After the root planing procedure is done, the dentist will usually put antibiotic fibers into the spaces between your teeth and gums. These fibers will help prevent an infection from setting in. They will also prompt your teeth and gums to heal faster. They will need to be removed approximately a week after the procedure.

You will also need to practice good oral hygiene after a root planing procedure Poor hygiene may have lead to its necessity in the first place. At the very least, you will need to brush your teeth twice daily. It’s also a good idea to floss too. If you don’t take care of your teeth properly, the gum disease will likely keep progressing.

Use of tobacco products should also be limited after a root planing procedure, if not cut out entirely. Smoking cigarettes or chewing tobacco will not only delay the healing process, but can also increase the risk of the area becoming infected. It is best to quit using these products entirely or at least until your mouth heals properly.