Root Planing & Scaling

Should you have any signs of periodontal disease, a thorough cleaning will be done that might include scaling or root planing. The reason behind these treatments is to remove any dental plaque and tartar, or calculus, which is the reason for periodontal disease and gingival inflammation.
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Our dentists are able to complete scaling or root planing after they have done a thorough examination of the patient’s mouth. Local anesthesia is used during these procedures.

Scaling is done to remove calculus and plaque from the tooth surfaces. This process specifically targets the areas below the patient’s gum line. Scaling is done with a dental tool, known as an ultrasonic scaling tool. This tool normally includes an irrigation process that is utilized to bring an antimicrobial agent to the gums and reduce any oral bacteria.
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Root planing is done to remove any cementum (calcified substance) and surface dentin that has become attached to the patient’s teeth. The dentist will then smooth out the root of the patient’s teeth to help promote healing, and deter bacteria from coming back.