Scaling & Planing
Why do I need scaling and root planing?
Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning below the gumline used to treat gum disease and periodontal disease.
Gum disease is caused by a sticky film of bacteria called plaque. Plaque is always forming on your teeth, but if they aren’t cleaned well, the bacteria in plaque can cause your gums to become inflamed. When this happens, your gums will pull away from your teeth and form spaces called periodontal pockets. Bacteria then gets trapped in these pockets and cannot be removed with regular brushing and flossing. If untreated, gum disease could lead to periodontal disease (bone loss) and potentially loss of teeth.
If gum disease is caught early and hasn’t damaged the structures below the gum line, a professional cleaning should do. If the pockets between your gums and teeth are too deep, however, scaling and root planing may be needed to properly remove bacteria and arrest the progression of periodontal disease.
What is Tooth Scaling?
Tartar is plaque that has had time to harden and is that white (sometimes yellow) substance found at the base of the tooth just above the gumline. Tartar is usually not removed with standard brushing and flossing and usually requires coming in to see us for proper and thorough removal.
Tooth scaling is a service that involves using a tool that is specifically designed to break-apart and remove tartar. We gently run the tooth scaling tool along the front and back surfaces of teeth that have any signs of tartar which effectively cleans the gumline and smooths the tooth enamel. Every time you come in for a dental checkup, tooth scaling is performed to help prevent future dental problems such as cavities and gum disease.
What's Involved With A Root Planing Procedure?
This deep cleaning has two parts. Scaling is when your dentist or hygienist removes all the plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) above and below the gumline, making sure to clean all the way down to the base of the pocket. Your dentist will then begin root planing, smoothing out your teeth roots to help your gums reattach to your teeth. Scaling and root planing may take more than one visit to complete and may require a local anesthetic.