Scaling and Root Planing

The initial stage of treatment is usually a “deep cleaning” (more properly called scaling and root planing) that includes scaling to remove plaque and tartar deposits beneath the gum line.  The tooth roots are also planed to smooth the root surface allowing the gum tissue to heal and reattach to the tooth.  Scaling and root planing is primarily performed on your teeth with deep pockets (where the bacterial infection has caused the tooth and the gum to separate from each other).  Once a deep pocket forms on a tooth (or teeth) it is impossible to keep the area below the gumline clean.  As a result, the bacterial infection continues to eat away at the bone around the tooth causing further destruction and deeper pocketing to occur.  If left untreated, your teeth will eventually become loose and fall out, or require extraction.  In addition to deep pockets we also carefully evaluate your gums for other signs of infection which include:  red, swollen, or irritated gums, pus formation, bad breath, any amount of bleeding from the gums after gentle brushing or flossing, gum recession, spaces between your teeth, and loose teeth.
Scaling and root planing is almost always completed under local anesthesia (ie. with the tooth and gum tissues numb) to keep you entirely comfortable during the procedure while permitting the hygienist to do a thorough job.   Oral antibiotics or irrigation with anti-microbials (chemical agents or mouth rinses) may be recommended to help control the growth of bacteria that create toxins and cause periodontal (gum) disease.

Following the scaling and root planing you will continue to maintain your teeth with specific brushing and flossing techniques that the hygienist demonstrates to you.  Four to eight weeks after the scaling and root planing we will re-examine your mouth and evaluate the effectiveness of the procedure.  This is the most important appointment of the non-surgical phase of periodontal treatment.  If deep pockets still exist more advanced therapies (eg. Periodontal surgery) will often be required to treat the infection and help you keep your teeth.  For more information on periodontal surgery, please visit the Surgical Procedures section of our website.