This part of the treatment reaches below the gumline to clean out plaque and tartar clinging to the surface of the tooth. This is similar to a normal cleaning, but it goes much deeper, leaving your teeth clean both above and below the gums.
Once the tooth root is clean, our dentist will move onto planing. In this step, the tooth root is smoothed and pockets where bacteria likes to hang out are removed, helping the tooth to stay healthy.
Scaling and root planing can be done on their own, but they work best when used together. Scaling cleans the tooth thoroughly, allowing root planing to be done on teeth that are easiest to smooth out. If the tooth roots were not clean, planing would just move tartar and bacteria around. If the roots were not planed after a scaling, bacteria would just grow back in the same spots.
Because scaling and root planing are below the gumline, it can be an uncomfortable sensation for some patients. Our dentist and team are happy to offer a local anesthetic to numb the gums while we work in that part of the mouth. We want to make sure you are comfortable through your entire treatment.
Scaling and root planing can often be the only treatment needed for mild gum disease. As long as you are coming in for your regular cleanings, we can keep an eye on your gum health to make sure you do not need more intensive periodontal care. If scaling and root planing is not enough for your gums, our dentist will work with you to find the best course of treatment.
