Periodontal Care
What is Scaling and Root Planning?
Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical and deep cleaning procedure that removes plaque below the gumline, where regular brushing and flossing can’t reach. Unlike a routine dental cleaning, this procedure is recommended when gum disease progresses from gingivitis to periodontitis, which is damage to the soft tissue around the teeth.
During the cleaning, the dental hygienist uses specialized tools to remove plaque and tartar buildup that sits below the gumline and smooths out areas where deposits of bacteria can harbor.
Why do I need Scaling and Root Planning?
Scaling and root planing is a deep-cleaning procedure that goes beyond a regular dental cleaning. It removes plaque and tartar buildup from below the gumline and smooths the roots of your teeth to help gums reattach properly. This treatment is essential for preventing and treating gum disease, reducing gum inflammation, stopping bone loss, and protecting your teeth from further damage. By addressing these issues early, scaling and root planing helps maintain a healthy smile and long-term oral health.
What is the difference between Scaling and Root Planning?
​Together, scaling and root planing provide a deep cleaning that treats and prevents gum disease more effectively than a regular dental cleaning.
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Scaling: This step removes plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) from the surfaces of your teeth, including just below the gumline. It helps eliminate bacteria that cause gum inflammation and infection.
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Root Planing: After scaling, the root surfaces of your teeth are smoothed to remove rough spots where bacteria can gather. This helps the gums reattach to the teeth and promotes healing.
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Periodontal Maintenance: After scaling and root planing, periodontal maintenance is the ongoing care you receive to keep your gums healthy and prevent the return of gum disease. These cleanings are typically done more frequently than regular cleanings and focus on maintaining the results of previous deep cleanings.
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Benefits of Periodontal Care
Effective Plaque Removal
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Scaling and root planing effectively removes plaque and tartar buildup from below the gumline, targeting areas that regular brushing and flossing can’t reach.
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Improved Gum Health
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By removing harmful bacteria and plaque, scaling and root planing help to reduce inflammation and promote healing of the gum tissue, improving overall gum health.
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Prevent Tooth Loss
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By treating gum disease, scaling and root planing can help prevent tooth loss and the need for more invasive dental treatments in the future.
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Halt Disease Progression
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This deep cleaning procedure can stop the progression of gingivitis to more advanced stages of gum disease like periodontitis.
