Scaling and Root Planing

At the edge of the gumline, healthy tissue forms a shallow groove between the teeth and gums.  This groove is normally 3mm or less.  When periodontal disease is present, this groove becomes much deeper, forming a difficult-to-clean pocket.

Scaling and root planing is used to treat periodontal disease when these pockets form.  Scaling removes plaque and tartar below the gumline.  A small scaler or ultrasonic cleaner is used to remove plaque and tartar from the pocket, and the root's surfaces are smoothed, or planed.  This allows the gum tissue to heal while decreasing further buildup.

Periodontal disease will not go away without proper treatment.  If untreated, surgery may be the only effective treatment option.  Prevention and early treatment are the best ways to reach and maintain optimum oral health!