Scaling and Root Planing

When you have active periodontal disease, routine cleanings are not enough because they are meant to clean the areas of the tooth that are above the gum line.

A scaling and root planing procedure removes plaque and bacterial toxins from the tooth surfaces below the gum line. This procedure helps your gums to heal and tighten around the teeth, and gives you back your healthy smile.

For your comfort we usually numb the area before we begin. Using special instruments, we carefully remove the plaque around the tooth and then smooth the root surfaces. In some situations we may also apply a medication to the area. We typically treat one or two sections of your mouth at a time over multiple appointments.

After treatment has been accomplished we will reevaluate the pocket depths 6 weeks after treatment to evaluate your healing and see if any areas require further treatment.