Periodontal Scaling & Root Planing

Removal of the causative factors that produce inflammation in the gingival (gum) tissue and surrounding bone is the goal of scaling and root planing. Dental plaque and tartar (calculus), two common causative factors, are removed by this traditional periodontal therapy.

For people with gingivitis (mild gum inflammation) and moderate to severe periodontal disease, these non-surgical methods that completely cleanse the periodontium are quite successful.


Reasons to scale and plan your roots

Both as a prophylactic precaution and as a stand-alone treatment, scaling and root planning are options. For a person with periodontitis, these operations are done as a prophylactic strategy.

The following are some reasons why certain dental procedures might be required:

Disease prevention: oral bacteria that cause periodontal infections can spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream. Lung infections and heart problems have been linked to periodontal bacteria, according to research. Scaling and root planing eliminate germs, slow the progression of periodontal disease, and block the spread of bacteria to other body areas.

Protection of the teeth: periodontal disease is more likely when gum pockets are deeper than 3 mm. Pockets often contain more colonies of harmful bacteria as they get deeper. The body's prolonged inflammatory reaction eventually starts to erode bone and gingival tissue, which could result in tooth loss. In the developed world, periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss.

Effects on aesthetics: Tartar and plaque on the teeth and below the gum line are removed with the use of scaling and root planing. In addition, the scaling and root planning techniques will remove any surface stains that may be present on the teeth.

Better breath: Halitosis, or poor breath, is one of the most typical indicators of periodontal disease. Cleaning techniques like scaling and root planing, which remove food particles and bacteria, help reduce odors that linger in the oral cavity.

What procedures comprise scaling and root planing?

Only after a complete oral evaluation are scaling and root planing procedures carried out. Before advising or starting these procedures, the dentist will take X-rays, perform visual examinations, and make a diagnosis.

Local anesthetic may be used, depending on the gums' current health, the level of calculus (tartar) in the mouth, the depth of the pockets, and the stage of periodontitis.

Scaling: This operation is often carried out with specialized dental tools, some of which may be ultrasonic scaling tools. The crown and root surfaces' calculus and plaque are removed with the scale instrument. The scale instrument frequently comes with an irrigation technique that can also be used to introduce an antibacterial chemical below the gum line, which can help lessen oral bacteria.

Root planing is a specialized therapy used to get rid of tartar, poisons, and unwelcome bacteria from cementum and surface dentin. To encourage speedy healing, the tooth's root is actually smoothed. Having clean, smooth root surfaces helps prevent subsequent bacterial colonization.

Following these thorough cleaning treatments, antibiotics may be used to treat the gum pockets. This will relieve discomfort and hasten the healing of the gum tissues.

The dentist or hygienist will carefully review the gums once again during the subsequent session to determine how effectively the pockets have healed.

Additional and more severe treatments may be advised if the gum pockets still measure deeper than 3mm.