Austin Primary Dental
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  • (512) 808-5651

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    Austin Primary Dental
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    Our Address

    6700 West Gate Blvd #103
    Austin, TX 78745

    Hours

    • Monday: 7:30AM to 4:30PM
    • Tuesday: 7:30AM to 4:30PM
    • Wednesday: By Appointment Only
    • Thursday: 7:30AM to 4:30PM
    • Friday: 7:30AM to 4:30PM
    • Saturday: By Appointment Only
    • Sunday: Closed
    Austin Primary Dental
    Rate Our Service
  • (512) 808-5651

    Get a healthy, gorgeous smile at Austin Primary Dental! Same day emergency dentist! Early appointments available.

      • Home
      • About
        • About Our Practice
        • Privacy Policy
      • Patient Information
      • Services
        • View all Services
        • Dental Checkup
        • Dental Cleaning and Examinations
        • Dental Crowns and Dental Bridges
        • Dental Implants
        • Dental Restorations
        • Dental Veneers and Dental Laminates
        • Dentures and Partial Dentures
        • Emergency Dentist
        • Kid Friendly Dentist
        • Root Canal Treatment
        • Routine Dental Care
        • Sedation Dentist
        • Smile Makeover
      • Teeth Whitening
      • Dental Emergencies
      • Patient Education
        • Dental Anxiety
        • Do I Have Sleep Apnea?
        • Do I Need a Root Canal?
        • Gum Disease
        • I Think My Gums Are Receding
        • Improve Your Smile for Senior Pictures
        • Multiple Teeth Replacement Options
        • Options For Replacing Missing Teeth
        • Oral Cancer Screening
        • Oral Hygiene Basics
        • Post-Op Care for Dental Implants
        • Preventative Dental Care
        • The Dental Implant Procedure
        • What Can I Do to Improve My Smile?
        • What Do I Do If I Damage My Dentures?
        • What Should I Do If I Chip My Tooth?
        • When Is a Tooth Extraction Necessary?
        • Why Are My Gums Bleeding?
        • Will I Need a Bone Graft for Dental Implants?
        • Wisdom Teeth Extraction
      • Reviews
      • Office Tour
      • Specials
      • Blog
      • Contact Us

    Austin Root Scaling and Planing

    Root Scaling and Planing Austin, TX

    Root Scaling and Planing Austin, TX

    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. Austin dentists are making a best effort to prevent gum disease and the need for this and other procedures. At Austin Primary Dental, 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 78745 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.

    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 Austin 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.

    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

    Check out what others are saying about our root scaling services on Yelp: Root Scaling and Planing Austin.

    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 78745 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.

    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.

    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 Austin 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 Austin Primary Dental, 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.

    Get Your Questions Answered
    At Austin Primary Dental we enjoy discussing oral health. If you have questions about your gums or a root scaling and planning procedure, call (512) 808-5651 and schedule an appointment with our Austin, TX dental office.

    Helpful Related Links

    • American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Terms. 2015
    • American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2015
    • WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2015

    About our business, license, and website security

    • Austin Primary Dental was established in 2009
    • We accept the following payment methods: American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa
    • We serve patients from the following counties: Travis County
    • We serve patients from the following cities: Austin, Buda, Round Rock, Kyle, San Marcos, DrippingSprings, Ceder Park, Pflugerville

    • Texas State Board of Dental Examiners (License #22247). View License Information and Specifics
    • National Provider Identifier Database (1497991210). View NPI Registry Information
    • Website Safety Ratings and Reputation – AVG Threat Labs. View Details
    • Norton Safe Web. View Details
    • Trend Micro Site Safety Center. View Details

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    6700 West Gate Blvd #103 Austin, TX 78745
    © 2019 Austin Primary Dental. All Rights Reserved.
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    Austin Primary Dental
    6700 West Gate Blvd #103 Austin, TX 78745 | Phone: (512) 808-5651
    Austin Primary Dental 4.6 out of 5 Root Scaling and Planing Austin - 4.6 out of 5 reviews based on 38 Google, Yelp and Facebook Reviews.
    © Copyright 2019 Austin Primary Dental. All rights reserved.
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