What do the procedures entail?
Our trusted periodontists, Dr. Uemura, Dr. Vassilopoulos, or Dr. Shah, will conduct a thorough oral exam before recommending scaling and root planing. This exam may include x-rays and visual inspection to assess gum health, tartar buildup, pocket depth, and periodontitis progression. Local anesthesia may be used to ensure your comfort during the treatment.
Scaling:
During scaling, hardened plaque (calculus) and softer plaque are carefully removed from the teeth surfaces, especially below the gumline along the root. We use a specialized ultrasonic scaler that also irrigates the area, sometimes delivering antimicrobial agents to reduce harmful bacteria.
Root Planing:
Root planing smooths the tooth root by removing infected cementum and dentin harboring bacteria and toxins. This smoothing encourages gum healing and helps prevent bacteria from recolonizing.
To control infection and promote healing, antibiotics or antimicrobial rinses might be recommended. Occasionally, antibiotic fibers are placed directly into periodontal pockets after treatment.
When deep gum pockets exist, thorough cleaning becomes difficult, and you may find it hard to keep these areas plaque-free. In such instances, surgical intervention might be necessary to restore gum health.
Benefits of Treatment
Successful scaling and root planing offer many advantages. They help prevent periodontal disease progression and reduce bacteria that can enter the bloodstream, potentially impacting heart and respiratory health.
Protecting your teeth from loss is another key benefit. Gum pockets deeper than 3mm increase bacterial growth and trigger inflammation that damages gum and bone tissue, risking tooth loss.
Patients often notice improved breath and a cleaner, brighter smile after treatment, since scaling removes superficial stains and bacteria that cause bad odors.