Scaling & Root Planing
If you have periodontal disease, scaling and/or root planing will likely be necessary to restore the health of your gums. These non-surgical procedures aim to remove etiologic agents such as dental plaque and tartar, or calculus, which cause gingival inflammation and disease.
Do you want comfortable, cost-effective care? Please don’t hesitate to request an appointment. We’re here for you!
REQUEST APPOINTMENTWhat to Expect from Treatment
We'll only perform scaling and root planing after a thorough examination, which may include taking x-rays and visually examining the mouth.
Whether you’re a candidate for scaling and root planing will depend on:
- The condition of your gums
- The amount of tartar present
- The depth of the pockets
- The progression of periodontitis
Scaling
When scaling is performed, the calculus and plaque attached to tooth surfaces are removed. The process primarily targets the area below the gum line, along the root.
Scaling is performed with a special dental tool called an ultrasonic scaling tool. The scaling tool usually includes an irrigation process that can be used to deliver an antimicrobial agent below the gums to help reduce oral bacteria.
Root Planing
Root planing is performed in order to remove cementum and surface dentin that is embedded with unwanted microorganisms, toxins, and tartar. The tooth's root is smoothed, which promotes healing and helps prevent bacteria from easily colonizing in the future.
Antibiotics or irrigation with anti-microbials (chemical agents or mouth rinses) may be recommended to help control the growth of bacteria that create toxins and cause periodontitis. In some cases, we may place antibiotic fibers in the periodontal pockets after scaling and planing. This may be done to control infection and to encourage normal healing.
When deep pockets between teeth and gums are present, it is difficult for us to remove plaque and tartar thoroughly. Patients can seldom, if ever, keep these pockets clean and free of plaque. Consequently, surgery may be needed to restore periodontal health.
The Benefits of Scaling & Root Planing
If treatment is successful, scaling and planing may have many periodontal benefits.
One is that they can help prevent disease. Research has proven that bacteria from periodontal infections can travel through the bloodstream and affect other areas of the body, sometimes causing heart and respiratory diseases. Scaling and root planing remove bacteria that cause these conditions.
Another benefit of treatment is protecting teeth against tooth loss. When gum pockets exceed 3mm in depth, the risk for periodontal disease increases. As pockets deepen, more bacteria can colonize, eventually causing a chronic inflammatory response by the body to destroy gingival and bone tissue. This leads to tooth loss.
Finally, scaling and root planing may make the mouth more aesthetically pleasing and should eliminate bad breath caused by food particles and bacteria in the oral cavity. Superficial stains on the teeth will be removed during scaling and planing, adding an extra bonus to the services.
Wondering If You Need Scaling & Root Planing?
You’ve come to the right place! Ferber Dental Group is a leader in digital dentistry. This means that when you visit our office, you get state-of-the-art dental care.
Do you have any questions about what we can do for you? Would you like to book an appointment with our office? Please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re excited to speak with you!
“I’m very glad I discovered Dr. Ferber. I came to him because I had a multitude of dental problems. The teeth were just a disaster, and I was totally embarrassed to smile. I kept replacing teeth and going in for crowns and root canals. Finally, I decided I wanted to go for a full-mouth implant. I wish I had done this many years ago. The results are just exemplary. If you’re suffering like I was for many, many years, do not hesitate.”
“People ask me all the time where I got my new smile done and I tell them Dr. Ferber. Before I got the work done, I didn’t feel very confident. I didn’t want anyone to see me smile. And now, I love to smile, and I get so many compliments on my smile. It was an easy, painless experience. The staff was great, and the price was right.”
“Dr. Ferber really knows his stuff. Since I had my teeth really done over, I have my smile back. And I have my giggle back! I would say that anybody questioning what they should do, they should come here. The whole team treats you like you’re family. They’re warm and they care.”
