What is Scaling and Root Planing?

When You Need A Deep Cleaning…

If you have periodontal (gum) problems, you’ll probably become familiar with one of the primary therapies to treat gum disease: scaling and root planing. We also may recommend the procedure if it’s been a while since your last appointment, and your mouth exhibits an extra buildup of plaque. The treatment is tried and true, with a simple goal—get the “junk” out of there!

It’s a certainty. Plaque, calculus, and bacteria, left to accumulate, will form pockets around teeth beneath the gum line. As pockets deepen and bacteria go to work, the tissue becomes infected. Without care, tissue, ligaments and eventually bone is destroyed; then you’re facing tooth loss.

By scaling and root planing, we disrupt the hold toxins have on the tissue. With special instruments, we go after the debris at and below the gumline. Then, the surface of the root is smoothed to encourage the proper healing of gum tissue. Plaque and calculus are tough stuff—a sort of poisonous cement. So removing it takes a little more time than a regular cleaning. We may schedule two appointments and treat half of your mouth (one side) at a time.

Scaling and root planing is the most direct and effective means to clear away “junk,” and head off disease. And that’s what you’re here for! If it’s been a while since your last appointment, visit our locations page and call us today.