Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is often required when a patient is experiencing a significant buildup of tartar (calculus) below the gum line. When plaque and tartar begin settling under the gumline, it can lead to bone loss, gum infection, and a severe gum disease called periodontitis. In order to relieve your inflamed gums and prevent further bone loss from periodontal disease, scaling and root planing may be the most effective and necessary initial treatment.
What is Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is a procedure more commonly as deep cleaning. This procedure involves removing plaque and calcified calculus (tartar) around and below the gums that normal home-care brushing and flossing may not remove. Bacteria that are trapped under the gums can accelerate gum recession and bone loss, and is, therefore, crucial to ensure all deep gum pockets are cleaned from plaque and calculus. A deep cleaning treatment helps prevent further bone loss, which can ultimately lead to pain, abscesses, and tooth loss.
Scaling and Root Planing Process
Scaling and root planing simply refers to the debridement of two sections of a tooth. Scaling removes the plaque and calculus (tartar) above and around the gum line, while root planing debrides the roots of the tooth. Depending on the patient's dental needs and periodontal level, deep cleaning treatments may be recommended on an annual basis or instead have more frequent prophys (teeth cleanings) once gum pockets have healed. Local anesthesia can be delivered in adjunct for patient comfort.
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Arestin, an intraoral antibiotic, is recommended in combination after SRP is completed and delivered in deep gum pockets.
When Do You Need Scaling and Root Planing?
If your mouth has signs of active periodontal disease, scaling and root planing may be recommended to help stop the harmful effects of gum disease. Chronic periodontal disease happens when the bacteria contained in the plaque cause your gums to pull back and recede away from the teeth. This is followed by large pockets forming between your teeth and gums, allowing more bacteria to grow in these spots that toothbrushes and floss cannot reach.
If left untreated, gum disease can lead to:
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Bone and tissue loss
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Tooth loss
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Loose teeth
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Moving or shifting teeth
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