How Long Will my Gums be Swollen After Scaling and Root Planing?

Periodontal (gum) disease is a serious condition that can lead to many dental issues, such as tooth decay and even loss. Many times, after you have this disease, regular brushing is not enough to remove the buildup of plaque, tartar, and even bacteria. Scaling and root planing can help to remove these harmful substances. Our expert team of periodontists can help you find the best way possible to keep your teeth, gums, and mouth clean and healthy. Our team has offices in Bellevue, Everett, Kirkland, Mercer Island, Olympia, and Redmond, WA. Schedule a consultation with Premier Periodontics in Bellevue, WA to learn more about how scaling and root planing can benefit you.

What is scaling and root planing?

Dental scaling and root planing is a procedure commonly used to treat more advanced stages of periodontal disease. During the first stage, gingivitis, brushing and flossing can be enough to help treat this condition, but once the disease advances to the periodontitis stage, more vigorous treatment is needed. Scaling and root planing often come in at this point. This treatment functions to remove harmful tartar and plaque from beneath the gumline. This treatment might be beneficial for those who suffer from symptoms, such as bleeding and/or swollen gums, bad breath, gum recession, and more.

What can I expect from scaling and root planing?

Scaling and root planing is a nonsurgical deep cleaning that is carried out in our office. We use local anesthesia to reduce discomfort, but dental sedation may also be available if you experience anxiety or stress with dental procedures. A perioscope may be used by our expert periodontists to get a better visualization of the area beneath the gumline being cleaned. This helps to better target areas with tartar and plaque buildup. The roots of your teeth will also be smoothed to create an even surface. A specialized antibiotic may be placed within the periodontal pockets to minimize bacterial growth within your gums. As your gums are healing, they should begin to reattach to the roots of your teeth, and the pockets should become smaller. It generally takes between 1 – 4 treatments to complete a scaling and root planing procedure.

What is recovery like after scaling and root planing?

After your procedure, you might experience gum and tooth sensitivity for a few days. You may also experience redness, swelling, and bleeding of your gums. However, with a good oral hygiene routine, this should go away within days after your procedure. Any pain you experience should be relieved with over-the-counter pain medications. You will need to keep up with periodontal maintenance visits every 3 – 4 months.

Where can I get scaling and root planing in Bellevue, WA?

Swelling after your scaling and root planing procedure should go away within days if you keep up with your oral hygiene routine. Scaling and root planing can help treat aggressive forms of periodontal disease and help keep your tooth, gums, jaws, and mouth healthy. Our periodontists offer services in Bellevue, Everett, Kirkland, Mercer Island, Olympia, and Redmond, WA. Contact Premier Periodontics in Bellevue, WA for a full consultation on the overall state of your oral and dental health.