Periodontal Scaling & Root Planing

Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning procedure designed to remove harmful bacteria and deposits that cause inflammation in your gums and the surrounding bone tissue. This non-surgical treatment effectively eliminates dental plaque and tartar (calculus) that regular brushing and flossing can't reach.

These proven procedures work exceptionally well for patients with gingivitis (mild gum inflammation) and moderate to severe periodontal disease, helping restore your oral health without the need for surgery.

Why You Might Need Scaling and Root Planing

Scaling and root planing serves both as a preventive treatment and a therapeutic solution for existing gum disease. Here are the key reasons why your periodontist might recommend these procedures:

Protecting Your Overall Health

The harmful bacteria that cause gum infections don't stay confined to your mouth. Research has demonstrated that these bacteria can enter your bloodstream and travel throughout your body, potentially contributing to serious health conditions including heart disease and respiratory infections. By eliminating these bacteria through scaling and root planing, we help protect both your oral and overall health.

Preventing Tooth Loss

When gum pockets around your teeth deepen beyond 3mm, your risk of periodontal disease increases significantly. These deeper pockets create ideal hiding places for dangerous bacteria colonies. Over time, your body's inflammatory response to these bacteria can destroy both gum and bone tissue, potentially leading to tooth loss. In fact, periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in developed countries.

Improving Your Smile

Beyond health benefits, scaling and root planing removes stubborn tartar and plaque buildup from your teeth and below the gum line. As an added benefit, surface stains on your teeth are often removed during the cleaning process, leaving your smile brighter and healthier-looking.

Freshening Your Breath

Persistent bad breath (halitosis) is often one of the first signs of gum disease. The bacteria and food particles trapped in infected gum pockets create unpleasant odors that regular brushing can't eliminate. Scaling and root planing thoroughly removes these sources of bad breath, giving you renewed confidence in social situations.

What to Expect During Treatment

Your scaling and root planing treatment begins with a comprehensive examination of your mouth. We'll take detailed X-rays and conduct thorough visual examinations to assess the current state of your gums and determine the best treatment approach.

Depending on factors such as your gum condition, the amount of tartar present, pocket depth, and disease progression, we may use local anesthetic to ensure your complete comfort throughout the procedure.

The Scaling Process

During scaling, we use specialized dental instruments, often including advanced ultrasonic tools, to carefully remove calculus and plaque from both the visible crown surfaces and the root surfaces below the gum line. Many of our scaling tools include irrigation systems that can deliver antimicrobial agents directly below your gums, providing an extra layer of bacteria-fighting protection.

Root Planing Treatment

Root planing is a precise procedure that removes infected cementum and surface dentin containing harmful microorganisms, toxins, and embedded tartar. We carefully smooth the root surfaces to promote optimal healing and create an environment that makes it difficult for bacteria to recolonize in the future.

Post-Treatment Care and Follow-Up

After your deep cleaning procedures, we may treat the gum pockets with antibiotics to reduce irritation and promote faster, more comfortable healing.

During your follow-up appointment, we'll carefully examine your gums to evaluate how well the pockets have healed. If any pockets still measure more than 3mm in depth, we'll discuss additional treatment options to ensure you achieve the best possible oral health outcomes.

At our Delray Beach practice, we're committed to helping you maintain optimal periodontal health through personalized, gentle care that fits your lifestyle and needs.