Scaling and Root Planing in Hornsey

Comprehensive Consultation and Assessment for Scaling and Root Planing

At London Dental Specialists, our scaling and root planing treatment begins with a thorough consultation and assessment. This crucial first step allows our experienced periodontists to evaluate your oral health and determine the most effective treatment plan for your specific needs.

During your initial visit, we will:

• Conduct a detailed oral examination, including assessment of your teeth, gums, and overall oral health


• Take digital X-rays to get a comprehensive view of your teeth and underlying bone structure


• Measure pocket depths around your teeth to assess the extent of gum disease


• Evaluate your medical history and discuss any concerns or symptoms you may be experiencing

Our team will use advanced diagnostic tools to ensure a precise evaluation of your periodontal health. This may include:

• Intraoral cameras for detailed imaging


• 3D cone beam CT scans for comprehensive views of your oral structures


• Periodontal probing to measure gum pocket depths accurately

What to Expect During Your Consultation

Your consultation will typically last about 60 minutes and will include:

1. Discussion of your oral health concerns and goals


2. Comprehensive oral examination by one of our specialist periodontists


3. Review of your medical and dental history


4. Explanation of our findings and recommendation for scaling and root planing if necessary


5. Detailed treatment plan tailored to your specific needs


6. Discussion of any questions or concerns you may have about the procedure

We believe in patient education and empowerment. Our team will take the time to explain the scaling and root planing process, its benefits, and what you can expect during and after the treatment.

Preparing for Your Consultation

To make the most of your consultation, we recommend:

• Bringing a list of any medications you're currently taking


• Noting any symptoms or concerns you've been experiencing with your oral health


• Preparing any questions you have about scaling and root planing or your overall dental health

At London Dental Specialists, we're committed to providing personalised, high-quality periodontal care. Our consultation and assessment process ensures that we develop the most effective treatment plan for your individual needs, setting the foundation for successful scaling and root planing and improved gum health.

Custom Treatment Plan for Scaling and Root Planing

At London Dental Specialists, we create a personalised treatment plan for your scaling and root planing procedure. This tailored approach ensures the most effective treatment for your specific periodontal needs.

Components of Your Custom Treatment Plan

Your scaling and root planing treatment plan typically includes:

• Number of appointments required (usually 2-4 sessions)


• Areas of focus in your mouth


• Estimated treatment duration for each session


• Recommended anaesthesia options for your comfort


• Post-treatment care instructions

The Scaling and Root Planing Procedure

Our skilled periodontists perform scaling and root planing in a careful, systematic manner:

1. Scaling: Removal of plaque and tartar from tooth surfaces and beneath the gumline


2. Root Planing: Smoothing of tooth roots to remove infected tooth structure and encourage gum reattachment

We use advanced tools and techniques, including ultrasonic scalers and specialised hand instruments, to ensure thorough cleaning and minimal discomfort.

Treatment Schedule

A typical scaling and root planing treatment plan may look like this:

This schedule may vary based on the severity of your gum disease and individual needs.

Comfort and Care During Treatment

To ensure your comfort, we offer:

• Local anaesthesia to numb the treatment area


• Sedation options for anxious patients


• Breaks during treatment as needed

Our team at London Dental Specialists is committed to providing a comfortable and effective scaling and root planing experience. We'll thoroughly explain each step of your custom treatment plan and address any concerns you may have before proceeding.

Scaling and Root Planing Treatment Procedures

At London Dental Specialists, our scaling and root planing procedure is a thorough, two-step process designed to effectively treat gum disease and restore your oral health. Our experienced periodontists use advanced techniques and state-of-the-art equipment to ensure optimal results.

Step 1: Scaling

The first step in the treatment involves scaling, where we meticulously remove plaque and tartar (calculus) from your teeth surfaces and beneath the gumline. This process includes:

• Using ultrasonic scalers to break down and remove large deposits of tartar


• Employing hand instruments for precise cleaning in hard-to-reach areas


• Thoroughly cleaning both above and below the gumline to remove all bacterial deposits

Step 2: Root Planing

Following scaling, we perform root planing, which focuses on smoothing the roots of your teeth. This crucial step involves:

• Carefully removing infected tooth structure and cementum


• Smoothing out rough spots on the tooth roots to eliminate areas where bacteria can accumulate


• Creating a clean, smooth surface to promote gum reattachment and healing

Treatment Duration and Comfort

The scaling and root planing procedure typically takes 60-90 minutes per quadrant of your mouth. To ensure your comfort during the treatment, we offer:

• Local anaesthesia to numb the treatment area


• Sedation options for patients with dental anxiety


• Regular breaks as needed throughout the procedure

Advanced Technology for Precision Treatment

At London Dental Specialists, we utilise cutting-edge technology to enhance the effectiveness of our scaling and root planing treatments:

• High-frequency ultrasonic scalers for efficient plaque and tartar removal


• Specialised hand instruments for detailed cleaning and root smoothing


• Intraoral cameras to ensure thorough cleaning of all affected areas

Post-Treatment Care

After your scaling and root planing procedure, our team will provide comprehensive aftercare instructions to support your healing process:

• Guidance on proper oral hygiene practices to maintain your results


• Recommendations for managing any post-treatment sensitivity


• Schedule for follow-up appointments to monitor your gum health

At London Dental Specialists, our goal is to provide a comfortable, effective scaling and root planing experience that sets the foundation for long-term periodontal health. Our expert team is committed to delivering personalised care tailored to your specific needs, ensuring the best possible outcomes for your oral health.

Post Scaling and Root Planing Treatment Care

Proper aftercare is essential for optimal healing and long-term success following your scaling and root planing treatment at London Dental Specialists. Our comprehensive post-treatment care ensures your gums heal properly and helps prevent the recurrence of periodontal disease.

During the first 24-48 hours after your procedure, you may experience some normal side effects including:

• Mild sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures


• Minor gum tenderness or swelling


• Slight bleeding when brushing or flossing

Immediate Aftercare Instructions

To support proper healing in the days following your treatment, we recommend:

• Gentle oral hygiene - Continue brushing and flossing, but be gentle around treated areas


• Warm salt water rinses (1/2 teaspoon salt in 240ml warm water) 2-3 times daily


• Soft diet for 2-3 days, avoiding spicy, acidic, or hard foods


• Over-the-counter pain relief if needed (following package instructions)


• Avoiding tobacco products, which significantly impair healing

Long-Term Maintenance

For lasting results from your scaling and root planing treatment, we'll establish a personalised maintenance plan that typically includes:

• More frequent professional cleanings - Usually every 3-4 months rather than the standard 6 months


• Enhanced home care routine with specific products recommended for your needs


• Regular periodontal evaluations to monitor pocket depths and gum health


• Use of prescribed antimicrobial mouth rinses if recommended

Follow-Up Appointments

Your follow-up care typically includes:

1. 4-6 week post-treatment evaluation to assess healing and gum response


2. Periodontal charting to measure improvements in pocket depths


3. Refinement of home care techniques based on your healing progress


4. Discussion of any additional treatments if necessary

At London Dental Specialists, we're committed to your ongoing periodontal health. Our team will provide detailed guidance tailored to your specific needs and remain available to address any concerns that arise during your recovery period. Consistent adherence to your post-treatment care plan is crucial for maintaining the benefits of your scaling and root planing procedure and preventing the progression of gum disease.