Scaling & Root Planing
The initial stage of treatment for periodontal disease is usually a thorough cleaning called scaling or root planing. The objective of this non-surgical procedure is to remove etiologic agents such as dental plaque and tartar, or calculus, which cause gingival inflammation and disease.
What does the procedures entail?
A dental hygienist performs scaling and root planing. After administering local anesthetic, ‘novocaine’, the hygienist uses various tools to deeply clean the tooth and root structure, removing plaque and calculus, ‘tartar’. In addition to ultrasonic and traditional tools, the hygienist may use a laser or antibiotics to further disinfect the periodontal pocket. The goal of this non-surgical procedure is create a clean tooth and root structure that the gum tissue will heal tightly against. This eliminates the pocket and improves the health of the gums.