Scaling and Root Planing

Periodontal Non-Surgical Therapy

If you have been diagnosed with mild to moderate gum disease, we may recommend scaling and root planing as a first line of defense. This is a non-surgical treatment that is often referred to as a “deep cleaning” for your gums and teeth. Scaling and root planing may be performed on two quadrants of the mouth at a time. It is designed to remove accumulated dental plaque, tartar and bacteria beneath the gum line and around the tooth root, as these conditions can cause inflammation and disease within the gums. Frequently we combine local anti-microbial therapy in conjunction with the scaling and root planing in order to optimize the healing process.

Scaling may involve a combination of handheld and electronic tools to perform a thorough cleaning of the tooth roots and gums. This removes the hardened plaque and bacteria within the deep pockets of gum tissue. Next, the surfaces of the tooth roots are carefully smoothed to promote healing as well as encourage the gums to reattach.