Scaling & Root Planing

Gum disease is called periodontal disease. When plaque collects on teeth and is allowed to remain there too long, the bacteria in the plaque inflame the gums. The body detects the bacteria and sends antibodies to fight them. The resulting battle results in the gums pulling away from the teeth and forming pockets. The pockets then allow food and debris to collect in trapped spaces. More bacteria grow, the body sends more antibodies, the battle continues, and the pockets in the gums get bigger and more widespread. The vicious cycle continues until appropriate treatment can reverse the damage, or tooth loss occurs due to nontreatment.

The earlier periodontal disease is found and treated, the better the results. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease. Periodontitis is a more severe gum disease.

If found before the pockets are too deep, professional cleaning may be all that is needed to prevent progression. However, if the pockets are too deep, the next steps will be antibiotics along with scaling and root planing.

Scaling and planing is a deep clean procedure that consists of two parts and may require an anesthetic. All plaque and tartar are removed from above and below the gumline during the scaling portion. Each pocket is cleaned carefully all the way to the bottom. Root planing is the next step and involves smoothing out teeth roots to make it easier for the gums to reattach to the teeth.

The entire scaling and planing process could require more than one visit.