Scaling and root planing is a dental procedure that is used to treat gum disease. The procedure involves cleaning the teeth and gums below the gum line to remove plaque and tartar buildup. One question that many patients have is whether scaling and root planing can be done in one visit. In this article, we will discuss the answer to this question, as well as the reasons why scaling and root planing may or may not be done in one visit.
Can scaling and root planing be done in one visit?
In most cases, scaling and root planing is not done in one visit.
The procedure is typically done over a series of appointments to ensure that all of the plaque and tartar buildup is removed. The number of appointments required will depend on the severity of the gum disease and the extent of the buildup.
For example, if you have mild gingivitis, you may only need one or two appointments to complete the scaling and root planing procedure.
However, if you have more severe gum disease, you may need multiple appointments to complete the procedure.
Reasons why scaling and root planing may or may not be done in one visit
There are several reasons why scaling and root planing may or may not be done in one visit. These include:
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Severity of the gum disease
The severity of the gum disease will determine how many appointments are needed to complete the procedure. If the gum disease is mild, the procedure may be completed in one visit. However, if the gum disease is severe, multiple appointments may be needed.
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Extent of the buildup
The extent of the plaque and tartar buildup will also determine how many appointments are needed to complete the procedure. If there is a significant buildup, multiple appointments may be needed to ensure that all of the buildup is removed.
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Patient comfort
Some patients may not be comfortable sitting for an extended period of time. In these cases, the scaling and root planing procedure may be broken up into multiple appointments to ensure that the patient is comfortable throughout the process.
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Time constraints
Some patients may not have the time to complete the scaling and root planing procedure in one visit. In these cases, the procedure may be broken up into multiple appointments to accommodate the patient’s schedule.
In summary, scaling and root planing is a dental procedure that is used to treat gum disease. The procedure involves cleaning the teeth and gums below the gum line to remove plaque and tartar buildup. While scaling and root planing may be completed in one visit for patients with mild gum disease, it typically requires multiple appointments for patients with more severe gum disease. The number of appointments required will depend on the severity of the gum disease, the extent of the buildup, the patient’s comfort, and time constraints. Your dentist will work with you to determine the best course of action based on your individual needs.
