Scaling and Root Planing
What is Scaling and Root Planing?
The initial phase of treatment for periodontal (gum) disease is often a specialized cleaning clinically known as Scaling and Root Planing. This procedure can also be known as a “Deep Cleaning”, “Scaling” or “Root Planing”. This is a non-surgical procedure completed to remove calculus (tartar) from underneath the gumline.
Why is Scaling and Root Planing needed?
Tartar is a combination of bacteria, food debris and minerals from your saliva. This tartar often causes gum swelling and loss of bone around your teeth. Scaling and Root Planing can be completed as a stand-alone treatment to remove tartar around your teeth and gums. It may also be used in combination with future surgical treatment.
How is Scaling and Root Planing done?
Scaling and Root Planing is usually completed once a numbing agent has been applied to your gums. From there your clinician will remove tartar around your teeth both above and below the gumline.