Key Takeaways
- What It Does: Root planing cleans the roots of teeth below the gumline, removing plaque and tartar to prevent gum disease from worsening.
- How It is Done: Usually in two visits, one side of the mouth at a time. Local anesthesia is used, and the dentist smooths the root surfaces to help the gums heal.
- Signs You Might Need It: Gums that bleed when you brush, bad breath that won’t go away, gums that are moving away from your teeth, or teeth that feel a little loose.
- Aftercare: It is normal to feel a little sore. Eat soft foods and avoid alcohol and smoking. Brush and floss your teeth gently.
- Benefits: Keeps your teeth safe, helps your gums stay healthy, reduces gaps in your gums, and stops bigger dental problems later.
Gum disease doesn’t always hurt in the beginning, but it can quietly cause damage that leads to tooth loss if ignored. Root planing is one of the main treatments that stops the disease from spreading and gives your gums a chance to heal. For people in Santa Monica, where diet, stress, and lifestyle can all affect oral health, this treatment is often the key to keeping natural teeth strong. At Santa Monica Dental, we’ve helped many neighbors protect their smiles with root planing treatment, and we know patients usually have the same questions: What is it, what does it feel like, and how do I know if I need it?
What Root Planing Means
Regular cleaning works on the surface of the teeth. Root planing goes deeper. When gum disease develops, plaque and tartar slip below the gumline, and the roots of the teeth get rough spots that hold bacteria. Root planing smooths those roots so the gums can reattach more easily.
Some people picture it as “scraping,” but with today’s numbing and dental tools, the procedure is much more comfortable than it sounds.
What Happens During the Appointment
Patients often relax once they know the steps. Usually, root planing treatment in Santa Monica is done in two visits, one side of the mouth at a time. Here’s how it goes:
- The dentist measures the space between teeth and gums to see how deep the problem is.
- A local anesthetic is used so you don’t feel discomfort.
- Plaque and tartar are cleaned from under the gumline.
- The root surface is smoothed so bacteria can’t hide in small grooves.
- In some cases, medicine or a rinse is placed under the gums to help with healing.
The whole process is careful and methodical. Many patients are surprised at how easy it feels once they’re in the chair.
Healing After Root Planing
It’s normal to have a little soreness or slight bleeding after your treatment. To feel better faster, eat soft foods and don’t drink alcohol or smoke. Remember to brush and floss your teeth gently and use a mouthwash.
Within a week or so, most patients notice their gums look less puffy and don’t bleed as easily. Over time, the gum pockets shrink and become healthier.
Signs You May Need Root Planing
Root planing isn’t for everyone, but if gum disease has begun, it’s usually the first step. Watch for:
- Gums that bleed when brushing or flossing.
- Ongoing bad breath.
- Gums that are pulling away from the teeth.
- Teeth that feel a little loose.
If you notice more than one of these, it’s a good idea to have a dentist check. Gum disease doesn’t fix itself at home; it requires professional care.
Why Santa Monica Patients Benefit
Living here has plenty of perks, great food, outdoor activities, and ocean air. But some of those habits can stress oral health. Coffee and wine are common, citrus and acidic foods are popular, and busy lifestyles mean people sometimes skip checkups. All of these add up to more gum problems than you might expect.
That’s why root planing treatment in Santa Monica is so valuable. It allows patients to stay ahead of gum disease before it causes lasting damage.
Long-Term Benefits
The biggest win is keeping your own teeth. With root planing, you’re not just treating swollen gums; you’re protecting the bone and tissue that hold your teeth in place. Breath improves, gums look healthier, and you avoid the cost and trouble of losing teeth later on. There’s also the added benefit of lowering risks connected to overall health since gum disease has been linked to heart problems and diabetes.
Why Staying Local Helps
When you search for root planing treatment n Santa Monica, you want more than just any dentist. Being close by means easier follow-up visits and a team that understands the needs of local patients. At Santa Monica Dental, we see the relief people feel when they realize gum disease can be stopped with the right treatment plan.
Final Thought
Root planing helps keep your gums healthy and prevents tooth problems. If your gums bleed, pull away from your teeth, or if you have bad breath that won’t go away, it might be time to get this treatment in Santa Monica. The sooner you take care of gum disease, the better chance you have to keep your teeth for a long time.
