Scaling & Root Planing in Oxnard
At Clove Dental in Oxnard, we believe that great oral health starts with healthy gums. If left untreated, gum disease can silently cause serious damage to your smile. That’s why we offer scaling and root planing, also known as deep cleaning, to treat gum disease effectively and prevent it from progressing. Our skilled dental team is here to deliver comfortable, customized care in a friendly, modern setting to help restore and protect your oral health.
What is Scaling & Root Planing?
Scaling and root planing is a specialized dental procedure used to treat gum disease (periodontitis) at its source. Unlike a routine cleaning, this deep-cleaning method focuses on removing bacteria, plaque, and tartar that collect beneath the gums, where brushing and flossing can’t reach.
This treatment involves two key steps:
- Scaling: We carefully clean plaque and hardened tartar from the tooth surfaces and below the gumline, where bacteria thrive.
- Root Planing: The tooth roots are smoothed to reduce rough areas, helping the gums reattach and reducing the risk of further infection.
This non-surgical treatment is highly effective in controlling gum disease, promoting healing, and protecting the bones and tissues that hold your teeth in place.
Signs You Might Need Scaling & Root Planing
Gum disease often develops gradually, and you may not notice it right away. However, some symptoms can indicate a need for deep cleaning:
- Bleeding Gums: If your gums bleed when you brush, floss, or eat, it may be a sign of early gum disease.
- Swollen or Red Gums: Inflamed, puffy, or tender gums can be a warning that infection is present.
- Persistent Bad Breath: Odor-causing bacteria beneath the gumline can lead to chronic halitosis.
- Gum Recession: Gums pulling away from your teeth may expose the roots, causing discomfort and sensitivity.
- Shifting or Loose Teeth: As gum disease advances, it can damage the structures that support your teeth.
- Deep Pockets Between Teeth and Gums: These spaces can harbor harmful bacteria and debris, accelerating gum damage.
Benefits of Scaling & Root Planing
Scaling and root planing offer several important advantages that go beyond gum health:
Stops the Spread of Gum Disease
Improves Oral Odor
Reduces Gum Inflammation
Helps Preserve Natural Teeth
Scaling & Root Planing Procedure at Clove Dental in Oxnard
At Clove Dental in Oxnard, we take the time to ensure your treatment is as effective and comfortable as possible. Here's what you can expect during the scaling and root planing process:
Comprehensive Assessment
We start with a full examination of your gums using precise measurements to evaluate the depth of periodontal pockets and identify affected areas.
Comfort-Focused Care
To minimize discomfort, we apply local anesthesia so you can remain relaxed and pain-free during the procedure.
Thorough Scaling
Using advanced tools, we carefully remove all plaque and tartar buildup above and below the gumline.
Detailed Root Planing
We smooth out the roots of your teeth, eliminating any rough surfaces where bacteria can hide and allowing your gums to naturally reattach.
Aftercare Guidance
We’ll walk you through personalized aftercare instructions, recommend any supportive treatments if needed, and schedule follow-up visits to monitor healing.
Depending on the severity of your gum condition, treatment may be completed over several visits to ensure optimal results.
Frequently Asked Questions
To keep your gums healthy and prevent future issues, we recommend periodic maintenance cleanings (periodontal maintenance) every few months.
If diagnosed early, it can prevent the progression of gum disease and restore healthy gum tissue, while it may not be able to fully treat the problem in its later stages.
