Deep Cleaning -Scaling & Root Planing

Gingivitis is a degenerative disease when left untreated, will cause significant tooth and gum deterioration. Just the word gingivitis can strike panic in a patient’s mind. The reality is that the treatment is simple and performed right in the office.

Plaque and tarter that sits on the teeth provides an environment, which allows harmful bacteria to thrive and multiply. The bacteria cause the gums to become inflamed and bleed. The condition becomes more noticeable when you brush your teeth or sometimes when you eat. These are signs of the early stage of gingivitis. Gingivitis is easily treated by scaling and polishing the teeth. If gingivitis is left untreated, the condition will progress and the roots will need planing. Scaling is the removal of the dental tartar from the tooth surface and Root planing is the process of smoothening the root surfaces and removing the infected tooth surface areas.

Subsequently, if plaque and tartar are left behind chronically then it hardens and forms calculus. This calculus is unwanted by the body and the body responds to this foreign substance with further inflammation. The inflammation leads to unrestorable boneloss and once the boneloss occurs many of our natural bacterial flora change to more harmful bacteria in this new environment . If bacterial change is not acheived with scaling and root planing alone sometimes adjuncts such as rinses, laser periodontics and antibiotic treatment may be used.

While the procedure is usually painless, moderate to advanced stages of gingivitis and/or periodontitis may make it necessary to numb the area for complete comfort. Deep scaling and root planing is usually broken down into one section of the mouth per appointment. This allows for adequate healing time, and reduces the time for each appointment.