Both the question and answer is relative to the pain threshold of the patient and the extent of the maple grove scaling and root planing necessary. The short answer is no, the procedure is not painful. You will experience discomfort upon completion but the actual process can be completed with the administration of a local anesthetic to the soft tissue to minimize any unpleasant feelings during the process.
Why might you need Scaling and Root Planing?
Around half of the American adults today have some form of gum disease. The way to get rid of gum disease is to get rid of the source. Every day each of us has millions of bacteria in our mouth. If allowed to remain they develop a sticky material on our teeth called plaque. The plaque continues to collect particles, sugars, acids and these elements will soon attack the enamel of the teeth. If you do not remove this plaque it will cascade down the tooth and below the gum line. At this time the plaque starts an infection in the soft tissue. The gums can become tender to the touch, become swollen and begin to sag away from the teeth only allowing these pockets to catch more unwanted particles. If you go through the scaling and root planing process you will remove the source of the infection and the gums will immediately begin to heal.
What is the Scale and Root Planing Process?
Just like having your teeth professionally cleaned by the dentist or hygienist, the same hand held tool will be used to scrape the stubborn plaque off the surface of the enamel. Some offices may use an ultrasonic instrument that has a vibrating tip to chip away the plaque. Either way it is a manual process in which the time spent is dictated by the amount of plaque and the condition of the gums. The numbing effect of the anesthetic will neutralize any pain during the process. When the plaque and tartar is removed the tooth and root will be smooth again such that the gums will heal and close around the tooth. The process may be done in one appointment or even in four quadrants depending on the amount of deposits to remove.
The Discomfort through the Healing
Initially your gums will be sore and tender. With the plaque removed they will heal very quickly as evident by the nice pink color they return to.
The Benefits of having the Scale and Root Planing Procedure
It is the only way to reverse gum disease. Once you have participated as a patient you will be strongly encouraged to begin and maintain good oral hygiene at home. This simply consists of what the health industry suggests; brushing slowly twice a day and flossing at least once. These two simple efforts remove the plaque daily which does not let it build up at the base of the tooth. You will also be advised to schedule a dental appointment twice a year for regular evaluations and professional cleaning to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Of course, there is always your smile that benefits as well.
More on Deep Teeth Cleaning : Deep Teeth Cleaning Aftercare
