Dental Scaling and Root Planing

This extensive cleaning treatment is provided by the hygienist for patients who have tartar, calculus, and bacteria buried below the gum line on the tooth. Your regular tooth brushing and flossing removes the tartar that is above the gum line of your tooth. Root planing and scaling is intended to treat gum disease. This technique is most often used when the gum pockets of your tooth have a measurement that is greater than 3mm.( The average pocket depth is less than 3mm). When tartar and calculus attach to your tooth below the gum line, they pull the gum tissue away from the tooth, creating the deep pocket. The tartar and calculus must then be removed with site specific instruments so that the gum can heal and close the pocket. The root surface is smoothed, diseased tissue is removed allowing for pocket resolution. If not treated, further bone deterioration can occur leading to more complex periodontal treatment.