Shelby Township Family Dentist and their expert team offer a comprehensive approach to treating plaque, calculus, and inflamed gums. Scaling and root planing help chip off hard calculus that is otherwise not possible through regular brushing and flossing. Scaling and root planing help protect your smile and prevent early tooth loss or gum and jawbone deterioration.
An introduction to scaling and root planing
Scaling and root planing, or deep cleanings, are dental procedures performed to get rid of calculus that accumulate on the tooth surface. You may require these special treatments if you suffer from gum or periodontal disease.
- Scaling removes calculus from the surface of your teeth
- Root planing removes calculus from the roots of your teeth below the gum line.
What is gum disease?
Gum disease or periodontal disease is a progressive destruction of the soft tissues (gums) surrounding your teeth and support them to anchor the underlying jawbone. You may require scaling and root planing if you suffer from any form of gum disease that may compromise your oral health.
What happens before scaling and root planing?
Your dentist will first evaluate your oral cavity to determine the amount of calculus (hardened plaque) present. Oral examination is done using a dental probe that can help assess the gum deterioration in the form of gingival pockets. Dental radiographs will be taken to assess the bone loss.
What happens during scaling?
Your dentist or oral hygienist will use a vibrating tool called an ultrasonic scaler to perform the scaling process. It involves the following steps:
- A vibrating metal tip on the scaler will chip off the calculus from your teeth’s surfaces.
- A water spray from the scaler washes away the calculus, and flushes plaque from the gingival pockets.
- The remaining small pieces of calculus will be removed using a manual scaler and a curette (a scraping device).
What happens during root planing?
Root planing is similar to scaling but it takes place on the roots of the teeth below the gum line.
In this treatment, your dentist will:
- Use a tool to gently push aside your gum tissues and expose your root surfaces.
- Use the same scaling tools to chip the calculus and make them smooth
- Inject an antibiotic solution into the gingival pockets
Gum disease can deteriorate and wreak havoc on your oral health. Thankfully scaling and root planing can save your teeth and smile. Maintain the results of periodic deep cleaning through regular brushing and flossing for improved oral health.
Comments are closed.