Signs You May Need Root Planing to Protect Your Gums and Teeth
- EZ Dental
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
Root planing is a specialised dental treatment that cleans the roots of your teeth beneath the gum line. It removes plaque, tartar, and bacteria that regular brushing cannot reach. This procedure helps manage gum disease, encourages gum reattachment, and supports long-term oral health.
For people experiencing early signs of gum problems, knowing when root planing is necessary allows for timely care and prevents more serious complications.
Key Takeaways
Root planing treats the roots of teeth to prevent gum disease.
Often performed alongside dental scaling as part of a deep cleaning procedure.
Common signs include bleeding gums, deep pockets, inflamed tissue, visible gum recession, and hidden bone loss.
Benefits include reduced gum inflammation, shallower pockets, fresher breath, and healthier gums.
Minor discomfort, temporary gum recession, or infection are possible but uncommon with proper care.
Root planing removes tartar and smooths tooth roots to stop bacteria from reattaching. Paired with dental scaling, it reduces pocket depth, supports gum reattachment, and protects teeth against long-term damage.
How Root Planing Protects Your Gums and Teeth
Root planing focuses on cleaning the roots rather than just the surfaces of teeth. While routine dental cleaning removes plaque from visible areas, root planing addresses bacteria trapped beneath the gums.
The procedure involves:
Removing hardened plaque and tartar from tooth roots.
Smoothing root surfaces to reduce bacterial attachment.
Supporting gums to reattach to teeth, which reduces pocket depth.
Root planing is recommended for early to moderate gum disease. Without treatment, gum disease can worsen, leading to tooth mobility, bone loss, or eventual tooth loss.
How Root Planing Works
Root planing is usually performed with dental scaling as part of a deep cleaning procedure:
Scaling: The dentist removes plaque and tartar above and below the gum line.
Root Planing: Roots are cleaned and smoothed to eliminate rough areas where bacteria grow.
This combination reduces inflammation, allows gum tissue to heal, and restores proper attachment between gums and teeth.
Signs You May Need Root Planing
Bleeding Gums
Bleeding while brushing or flossing is a common early sign of bacteria under the gums. Even small amounts of blood indicate plaque accumulation. Timely treatment removes deposits and helps reduce inflammation.
Deep Gum Pockets
Dentists measure gum pocket depth during check-ups. Pockets deeper than 4 mm may require treatment. Cleaning when pockets are 5–6 mm helps prevent root damage, tooth mobility, and bone loss.
Inflamed Tissue
Red, swollen, or tender gums signal bacterial infection. Root planing smooths roots to prevent plaque accumulation and reduces inflammation over time.
Visible Gum Recession
Gums that pull away from teeth suggest gum disease progression. Early intervention with root planing can stabilise gums, though severe cases may need additional treatments.
Hidden Bone Loss
X-rays may reveal bone loss or detachment near tooth roots. Root planing helps slow progression and maintain dental stability.
Key Benefits of Root Planing for Healthy Gums
Prevents gum disease from advancing to severe stages.
Reduces inflammation and bleeding for healthier gums.
Decreases periodontal pocket depth, making oral hygiene easier.
Improves overall oral health, leading to fresher breath and stronger teeth.
Supports long-term stability and prevents tooth loss.
Risks and Considerations
Discomfort: Mild soreness or sensitivity may occur for a few days.
Gum Recession: Minor recession can appear after treatment due to thorough cleaning.
Infection: Rare if proper aftercare is followed.
Caring for Your Gums After Root Planing
Brush gently twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Floss carefully to remove plaque between teeth.
Use an antibacterial mouthwash if recommended.
Attend follow-up visits every 3–6 months.
Avoid smoking and hard or sticky foods immediately after the procedure.
Where to Compare Root Planing Options
When searching for a dentist near you, consider:
Expertise in scaling and root planing procedures.
Clinic environment and patient comfort.
Reviews and patient testimonials.
Post-treatment care and follow-up support.
EZ Dental Care offers professional root planing services, combining experience with patient-focused care at our Bedok North and Geylang Bahru dental clinics.
FAQs
Is root planing painful?
Mild discomfort is common. Local anaesthesia is often used.
How long does the procedure take?
One or two sessions depending on gum disease severity.
How soon will gums improve?
Bleeding and inflammation usually decrease within days to a week.
Can root planing reverse gum disease?
It manages progression but does not reverse bone loss.
How often is root planing needed?
The frequency of root planing depends on your gum health. For mild cases, it may only be needed every few years. If you have gum disease, your dentist may recommend more frequent treatments to prevent progression.
Can sensitive teeth handle the procedure?
Yes, dentists adjust techniques and use anaesthesia for comfort.
Can I eat normally after treatment?
Soft foods are recommended for the first day or two.
Root Planing for Healthy Gums
Root planing is a non-surgical treatment that targets the roots of your teeth to manage gum disease. It removes plaque, tartar, and bacteria beneath the gum line, helping reduce inflammation and support long-term oral health.
For patients searching for a dentist near you for deep cleaning, EZ Dental Care is available at:
Our dentists can assess your gum health, perform scaling and root planing, and provide guidance for maintaining healthy gums at home. Root planing treatments help prevent gum disease progression and protect your teeth. Schedule an appointment to maintain strong teeth and healthier gums.
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