Root Planing: Essential for Healthy Teeth & Gums at DentistryAtSheppard

February 5, 2025 | Posted at 11:42 am | by Helen smith (Follow User)

A healthy smile isn’t just about beautiful teeth. It’s about keeping your gums in great condition too! At Dentistryatsheppard, we understand that gum health is an integral part of your overall oral well-being. One of the most effective ways to prevent gum disease and maintain optimal oral health is through professional root planning. If you’ve been referred for this procedure, you might be wondering what it is and why it’s essential. In this blog post, we’ll take you through the importance of root planning, how it works, and why Dentistryatsheppard is your go-to provider for trusted and caring dental care in North New York.

What is Root Planning?

Root planning is a deep cleaning procedure that goes beyond the typical dental cleaning. It’s performed to treat gum disease and is specifically aimed at the roots of your teeth. While a regular cleaning focuses on plaque and tartar buildup above the gum line, root planning targets the surfaces of your tooth roots beneath the gum line. Over time, plaque can build up on these surfaces, leading to infection and gum recession.

When you visit Dentistryatsheppard for root planning, our highly-trained dental team will use specialized tools to clean the tooth roots and smooth out any rough surfaces. This process helps remove bacteria, tartar, and plaque buildup that can cause inflammation and infection, ensuring that your gums heal and reattach firmly to your teeth.

Why is Root Planning Important?

Root planning isn’t just about keeping your smile looking great; it’s essential for your long-term oral health. Here are some key reasons why root planning is important:

1. Prevents Gum Disease Progression

Gum disease (also known as periodontal disease) occurs when bacteria infect your gums, leading to inflammation, bleeding, and, in advanced stages, tooth loss. Regular professional cleaning can help prevent gum disease, but in cases where the disease has progressed, root planning is crucial to stop further damage and preserve your teeth and gums.

2. Promotes Gum Reattachment

When bacteria and plaque accumulate along the tooth roots, they can cause your gums to pull away from the teeth. This creates pockets that trap even more bacteria and plaque, making the problem worse. Root planning helps remove these deposits, allowing the gums to heal and reattach to the teeth, restoring gum health.

3. Reduces Tooth Sensitivity

Sometimes, root planning can help reduce tooth sensitivity that occurs when gums recede. As the gum line pulls back, the sensitive roots of your teeth become exposed to air, food, and drink, causing discomfort. By smoothing the root surfaces, root planning minimizes this sensitivity and makes eating and drinking more comfortable.

4. Improves Overall Oral Health

By preventing the spread of infection, root planning can also benefit your overall health. Research shows that gum disease is linked to other serious health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. By taking proactive measures like root planning, you’re investing not only in your oral health but also your overall well-being.

What to Expect During Root Planning at Dentistryatsheppard

At Dentistryatsheppard, we pride ourselves on providing personalized care to every patient. If you’re scheduled for root planning, here’s what you can expect during your visit:

  1. Consultation and Evaluation: Before starting the procedure, our experienced dentist will perform a thorough examination of your gums and teeth. We may take X-rays to assess the extent of the gum disease and determine if root planning is the right solution for you.
  2. Deep Cleaning: Root planning is typically done in one or more visits, depending on the severity of the gum disease. During the procedure, we use local anesthesia to ensure you’re comfortable while we carefully clean the roots of your teeth.
  3. Post-Procedure Care: After root planning, your gums may feel sore or tender. You may be advised to avoid hard foods and to brush gently for a few days. We will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions to help ensure proper healing and to prevent future issues.
  4. Follow-up Appointments: After your root planning procedure, we’ll schedule follow-up visits to monitor your gum health and ensure that your gums have healed properly.

Why Choose Dentistryatsheppard for Root Planning in North New York?

At Dentistryatsheppard, we’re not just a dental practice – we’re a team of professionals who genuinely care about your oral health. Here’s why we’re the best choice for root planning and other dental services in North New York:

  • Trusted Expertise: With years of experience and advanced training, our team is highly skilled in performing root planning procedures. You can trust us to deliver exceptional care every time you visit.
  • Comprehensive Dental Care: Whether you need a routine check-up or a more advanced procedure like root planning, we offer a wide range of services to meet all of your dental needs.
  • Patient-Centered Approach: We take the time to listen to your concerns, explain all your treatment options, and ensure that you feel comfortable and confident throughout the process.
  • Convenient Location: Our dental office is conveniently located in North New York, making it easy for you to access trusted and caring dental services.
  • Affordable Care: At Dentistryatsheppard, we believe that quality dental care should be accessible. We offer flexible payment options and accept many dental insurance plans to make root planning and other services affordable for you.

Schedule Your Root Planning Appointment Today

If you’re experiencing symptoms of gum disease such as bleeding gums, bad breath, or gum recession, don’t wait – root planning can help. Visit Dentistryatsheppard for a consultation with our compassionate and skilled team. We’ll evaluate your needs and recommend the best course of action to restore your gum health and ensure your teeth remain strong and beautiful.