Healthy Gums, Healthy Smile: Root Planing In Abuja – What You Need to Know
If you’re looking for root planing in Abuja, understanding the procedure, its benefits, and what to expect can help you make informed decisions about your dental health. Advanced Dental Clinic offers professional root planing services to improve oral health and prevent serious gum diseases.
What is Root Planing?
Root planing is a deep cleaning procedure that targets the root surfaces of the teeth to remove plaque, tartar, and bacterial toxins. It is often performed alongside scaling, which removes these deposits from above and below the gum line. Root planing smooths the root surfaces to discourage further bacterial buildup and helps the gums reattach to the teeth.
This treatment is essential for managing periodontal (gum) disease, particularly in cases where bacteria and plaque have caused gum inflammation, leading to the formation of pockets between the teeth and gums. If left untreated, this can result in gum recession, tooth loss, and even impact overall health by increasing the risk of conditions like heart disease and diabetes.
Who Needs Root Planing?
Root planing is recommended for individuals experiencing gingivitis or periodontitis, which are different stages of gum disease. You may need root planing if you exhibit any of the following symptoms:
- Persistent bad breath (halitosis)
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Gum recession, where the gums pull away from the teeth
- Loose teeth or a change in bite alignment
- Pain or sensitivity when chewing or brushing
- Deep pockets between the teeth and gums, detected during a dental exam
If you have been diagnosed with moderate to severe gum disease, root planing is a crucial treatment to prevent further complications and restore oral health.
What to Expect During the Procedure
At Advanced Dental Clinic, we ensure that your root planing procedure is as comfortable and effective as possible. Here’s what you can expect:
- Consultation & Examination – Our dentist will examine your teeth and gums, measure pocket depths, and take X-rays to assess the extent of infection.
- Local Anesthesia – To minimize discomfort, a local anaesthetic is administered to numb the area being treated.
- Scaling – The dentist or hygienist will use special instruments to remove plaque and tartar from the tooth surfaces and beneath the gum line.
- Root Planing – The root surfaces are smoothed to eliminate bacterial toxins and encourage gum reattachment.
- Antibacterial Treatment – In some cases, antimicrobial agents or antibiotics may be applied to the gum pockets to aid in healing.
- Post-Treatment Care – You will receive aftercare instructions and may be scheduled for a follow-up visit to monitor your healing progress.
The procedure typically takes one to two visits, depending on the severity of gum disease. For extensive cases, your dentist may treat one section of the mouth at a time.
Benefits of Root Planing
1. Improved Oral Health
Root planing effectively removes bacteria and tartar, reducing gum inflammation and preventing the progression of periodontal disease. Healthier gums lead to better overall dental health and stronger teeth.
2. Prevention of Tooth Loss
By treating gum disease early, root planing helps prevent gum recession and bone loss, both of which can lead to tooth loss over time.
3. Fresher Breath
Since bacteria and plaque buildup contribute to bad breath, deep cleaning through root planing can help eliminate the underlying cause and improve breath freshness.
4. Reduced Risk of Systemic Diseases
Studies have shown that gum disease is linked to serious health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections. Treating periodontal disease lowers the risk of these complications.
5. Aesthetic Benefits
Healthier gums enhance the appearance of your smile by reducing redness, swelling, and gum recession. This can boost confidence and overall facial aesthetics.
6. Long-Term Oral Health Maintenance
Root planing helps restore a healthier oral environment, making it easier to maintain proper hygiene and prevent future dental issues.
Common Questions About Root Planing
❓ Is Root Planing Painful?
Most patients experience little to no pain during the procedure because of the local anaesthetic. However, some mild discomfort, gum sensitivity, or soreness may occur after the anaesthesia wears off. Over-the-counter pain relievers and saltwater rinses can help alleviate any discomfort.
❓ How Long Does the Procedure Take?
The duration depends on the severity of the gum disease and the number of areas requiring treatment. Typically, root planing can take between 45 minutes to 2 hours per session. In some cases, multiple appointments are needed to treat all affected areas thoroughly.
❓ What is the Recovery Process Like?
After root planing, it’s normal to experience slight gum tenderness and sensitivity for a few days. Here are some aftercare tips:
- Avoid eating hard or crunchy foods for at least 24 hours.
- Stick to a soft diet (yoghurt, mashed potatoes, smoothies) for a few days.
- Rinse with warm salt water or an antibacterial mouthwash to reduce inflammation.
- Maintain gentle but thorough brushing and flossing to prevent further plaque buildup.
- Avoid smoking or alcohol consumption, as they can slow down healing.
Most patients recover fully within a week, and a follow-up visit is usually scheduled to assess healing progress.
❓ Are There Any Risks or Side Effects?
Root planing is a safe and effective procedure, but minor side effects can occur, including:
- Mild gum swelling or bleeding
- Increased tooth sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
- Gum recession (in some cases, gums may shrink slightly after bacteria removal)
Your dentist will provide guidance on managing these symptoms, and they typically subside within a few days.
Final Thoughts
Understanding root planing in Abuja can help you make informed choices about your dental health. If you’re experiencing symptoms of gum disease or have been advised to undergo root planing, it’s essential to seek professional care as soon as possible.
At Advanced Dental Clinic, we specialize in preventive and periodontal care, ensuring you receive high-quality treatment in a comfortable environment. Our expert team is dedicated to restoring your gum health and preventing future complications.
If you’re considering root planing or need a comprehensive dental checkup, contact Advanced Dental Clinic in Abuja today to schedule an appointment. Let us help you achieve a healthier, brighter smile!