Scaling and Root Planing

The first non-surgical step to treating periodontitis usually involves a special cleaning, called scaling and root planning. This is sometimes referred to as “periodontal” or “deep” cleaning. Scaling and root planning is a method of treating periodontal disease when pockets are greater than 3 mm. Scaling is used to remove plaque and tarter from the tooth beneath the gumline and all the way down to the bottom of the sulcus. A local anesthetic is usually used to reduce any discomfort. The tooth’s root surfaces are then smoothed and planed. This procedure helps gum tissue to heal and periodontal pockets to shrink. This also makes it more difficult for plaque to accumulate along the root surfaces.

Depending on the extent of the disease, we will recommend that one or more sections (quadrants) of the mouth to be treated. It is best to perform as much scaling and root planing as possible during a single visit and/or minimize the time between visits so bacteria from an untreated area doesn’t re-infect the newly cleansed areas. You’ll be given instructions on how to care for your healing teeth and gums.

We may also recommend other adjunctive treatments to be performed at this time such as Periostat, Arestin, fluorides or laser therapy.

If you use tobacco it is important to engage in some sort of cessation program, as tobacco use will lessen the tissue’s ability to heal and greatly increase your chances of failure after treatment.

After the results of the scaling and root planings are evaluated, it may be determined that you need to see a Periodontist (Gum Specialist) for more definitive treatment of your periodontitis.