Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and Root Planing, also known as deep cleaning, is the most effective way to treat mild to moderate cases of periodontitis, and it can be the initial therapy prior to treating advanced cases. Pockets (or spaces) that have formed in between the gums and the roots are too deep to clean with your regular toothbrush or your 6 months regular cleanings. They need to be treated with the use of an ultrasonic scaler and manual instruments, under local anesthetic with the objective of :
removing plaque and sub-gingival calculus from the crown and root surfaces
reducing the number of toxins and microorganism that grow bellow the gum line
preventing further bone loss
It is very important for patients undergoing current Scaling and Root Planing procedures to maintain an excellent level of periodontal health at home to prevent future recurrences of gum inflammation, and to return to the office to continue their maintenance therapy every 3 months.
