Scaling and root planing is the standard treatment for periodontal disease. This non-surgical deep cleaning removes tartar, plaque (biofilm), and bacteria from the tooth at and below the gumline and its roots. It also promotes your gum tissue’s regeneration to grow back snug around your tooth.
Scaling and root planing is a two-step procedure, the deep cleaning is known as scaling teeth, and root planing might take more than one appointment. To minimize any discomfort, you might need a local anesthetic.
The goal is to thoroughly scale all plaque, bacterial toxins, and tartar deposits from your teeth and root surfaces.
Scaling
Dental scaling dives deeper into the gumline with manual hand instruments, ultrasonic instruments, or both.
If your hygienist – or dentist at Sherman Oaks Advanced Dentistry – uses an ultrasonic scaling device, sonic vibrations will remove the plaque bacteria and tartar (calculus) from the tooth surface and underneath the gumline.
A manual dental scaler can do the same thing. Or it can supplement the ultrasonic device by removing particles the device can’t break loose.
Root Planing
Root planing involves an even deeper dive with detailed scaling of the root surface to smooth out rough areas.
Smooth root surfaces keep bacteria, plaque, and tartar from re-adhering underneath the gumline. Root planing decreases gum tissue inflammation, allowing your gums to heal and reattach themselves more firmly to your teeth.
If needed to prevent infection, Dr. Maher Albouz might administer medicine directly into the area undergoing the procedure.
After your deep cleaning, you’ll need to schedule a follow-up visit with Dr. Maher Albouz.
