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ROOT SCALING AND PLANNING IN BOULDER, CO

Root Scaling And Planning: How Can It Enhance Your Gum Health?

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What You need to know about root scaling and planing

If you have gum disease, you may need a root scaling and planing procedure to help get rid of it. This is a serious condition that can lead to eventual bone and tooth loss. We will go through every treatment we can to prevent gum disease and other painful conditions. At PeakView Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry, we recommend that you visit our dental office twice per year so we can do just that. We want to remove plaque and tartar before they can cause gum disease, gum recession, and the need for this procedure. However, if you do need a root scaling and planing procedure, we can help and we can ensure that you are as comfortable as possible during it.
What is periodontal scaling and root planing?
In this procedure, the plaque and tartar underneath the gum tissue is removed. This can be done using a metal dental tool, ultrasound energy, and lasers. A dentist will break up the plaque and tartar before scraping it out. If the roots have plaque buildup as well, the root planing procedure will scale them to remove the plaque and then smooth out any rough areas so the tooth can be both healthy and fully functional.
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How long does root scaling and planing take?
In most cases, this procedure will need to be broken up into four appointments. This allows a dentist to separate your mouth into quadrants and clean each one of them individually. Since the process is very methodical, it takes longer than the standard teeth cleaning and your gums may experience some irritation and swelling. By only cleaning one area of the mouth at a time, the process is more manageable and the recovery time is reduced.
Will the dentist use anesthesia?
Yes. Your gums will be numbed before the root scaling and planing procedure starts. Some dentist may also use nitrous oxide or other forms of sedation to help relax you prior to getting started. When sedation is used, a dentist can sometimes complete more of the procedure in one sitting. Additionally, you may want to use a desensitizing toothpaste afterward in order to further numb the gums.
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What are the risks involved the procedure?
There is a risk of developing an infection from this procedure. You can help reduce the risk by rinsing with warm saltwater throughout the day and keeping your teeth clean. We may also prescribe you an antibiotic rinse to use. However, the biggest risk comes from not having the procedure completed at all. That can lead to more severe gum disease, gum recession, and even tooth loss
What should I expect during and after root scaling and planing?
During the procedure, you can expect for your gums to be numbed and for your teeth to be very slowly and methodically cleaned. Very often, an ultrasound is used to help break up the plaque and tartar before a dental tool scrapes it off of the tooth. Some dentist use lasers to complete the entire procedure. Since your gums will be numb, you will feel some pressure but should not feel any direct pain or discomfort. However, afterward, your gums will be sore, they will swell, and may ache in general. You can help control this with ibuprofen and ice packs if necessary. Typically, the worst part is over within four hours, so you may just want to go home and sleep. In the rare case your jaw feels sore and stiff, you can place a warm compress on it.
For several days to a week or more, you may experience some sensitivity when eating, especially if you are eating anything sweet. One way to address this is to use something soft to clean the area and then place a desensitizing toothpaste on a Q-tip so it can be gently applied to the area around your gums.
There will be some bleeding when you brush your teeth, but this should only last for a day or two. Just remember to be gentle when brushing around your gums.
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Are there any warning signs to watch for after the procedure?
Yes. If your gums are bleeding excessively, you develop a hard boil (bump) inside your mouth, or the irritation persists for more than two weeks, you should schedule an immediate follow-up appointment.
Can I eat like normal after a root scaling and planing procedure?
No. We recommend that you avoid anything hot for two days and that you do not eat anything crunchy like nuts or chips for four days. This is to ensure that your gums do not experience any further irritation. Simultaneously, your gums may be sensitive to sugar, so avoid any candy or treats for several days. If you have a sweet tooth, try a sugar-free popsicle instead.
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What happens to my gums after they heal from the procedure?
Your gums should begin to return to normal, and there should be no restrictions long term regarding what you can eat. By removing the plaque and tartar, your gums should begin to return to good health. This means that the swelling you have been experiencing will be reduced, they should return to a healthy pink color, and they will no longer be irritated in general. As long as the procedure works as it should, you will not need more invasive gum procedures. However, if you have waited a long time and your gums have already started to recede, this may not be enough. You may also require a future gum grafting procedure.
Will I need follow-up procedures?
Typically, you will need to return to your Boulder dentist within six months for a follow-up visit. This is to ensure that your gum health has improved. However, the only real follow-up procedure you need is to visit our office for a teeth cleaning. At PeakView Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry, we recommend that you have your teeth cleaned every six months. This will prevent plaque and tartar from building up again so you are unlikely to need a root scaling and planing procedure in the future.
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Meet Our Doctors

Discover the passion and commitment that drives our dental team

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Dr. Kwiatkowski

Dr. Adam Kwiatkowski, a graduate of the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry, has received multiple awards for his outstanding achievements in cosmetic and implant dentistry. He is a recipient of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists’ Pre-doctoral Student Achievement Award and a member of the Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society.

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Dr. Hearne

Dr. Hearne, originally from Las Vegas, was inspired to become a dentist at the age of 12 by a close family friend who was a renowned dentist. With a foundation in customer service and excellence from his early career in the hotel industry, Dr. Hearne was further inspired to become a compassionate caregiver for his patients after the passing of his younger brother to cystic fibrosis at the age of 7.

Dr. Olsen

I was born in Ogden, Utah and always knew I wanted to pursue a career in healthcare. After serving an LDS mission in South Africa and getting married, I studied biology at Weber State University and attended the prestigious Creighton University School of Dentistry in Omaha, Nebraska. There, I received multiple awards for clinical excellence before settling down in St. George with my family.

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Roxanne Trujillo

5/5
April 15, 2024
Ashely has been amazing and so helpful with my grandma! I highly recommend this company and the people here are all so amazing!! ♥️🙏🏼

Melissa Angiel

5/5
April 12, 2024
Consistently excellent experiences. Not only is Doctor K listed as a top doctor in the field for at least two years running (2022 & 2023), but he is super caring and nice. The office has a lot of high tech equipment and the staff are all super sweet & very accommodating and helpful. I have brought my three kids here too for years. Highly recommend!

Sue Stuller

5/5
April 9, 2024
So appreciate the high quality care I experienced. Caring highly skilled team. No unnecessary procedures. Excellent communication.

Sarah Mason

5/5
April 5, 2024
Amazing Doctors! When i had surgery and they made me feel so comfortable. Very professional. Would recommend to anyone looking for any dental work or surgery.

kevin meredith

5/5
March 21, 2024
Peakview Dentistry not only has a fantastic view of the Boulder Flatirons, up close and personal, they have nothing but very up close and very polite professional staff! It has been and continues to be my pleasure to be a client of theirs . Kevin J Meredith Full set replacement

Madi Gaynor

5/5
February 24, 2024
Ashley in the office has been the absolute best! She’s helped us with every question along the way & gone out of her way to get us the information we needed. Highly recommend peakview dentistry!

Danea Sharp

5/5
January 29, 2024
The BEST people – not only do they care about your oral health, but they care about you. I can’t say enough good things about Dr.K and his staff. They work with my needs and listen, and also work with you financially. They have become like family to me and I’m sure you would feel the same!

Andi Voogel

5/5
January 23, 2024
I initially connected with Ashley who was extremely helpful setting up my appointments and explaining the process. Everyone was very friendly, and I appreciated the transparency about treatment billing.

Transform Your Smile: Root Scaling And Planing

Experience the revitalizing effects of Root Scaling and Planing. Our expert team will remove plaque and tartar below the gumline, promoting gum health and preventing future dental issues. Schedule your appointment now for a healthier smile.

Transform Your Smile: Root Scaling And Planing

Experience the revitalizing effects of Root Scaling and Planing. Our expert team will remove plaque and tartar below the gumline, promoting gum health and preventing future dental issues. Schedule your appointment now for a healthier smile.

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