What is Scaling and Root Planing?
The initial stage of treatment for periodontal disease is usually a thorough cleaning above and below the gum line in the “pockets” that you are not able to clean at home. The objective of these non-surgical procedures is to remove the primary cause of periodontal disease, dental plaque and calculus, (tartar), which cause gingival inflammation and periodontal disease. Scaling and root planing can be used as a stand-alone treatment, or a preventive measure. This is a common procedure in the initial phase of overall treatment and maintenance of periodontal disease.
Drs. Ira Levenson and Lori Little-Levenson will only perform scaling and root planing after a thorough examination of the mouth, which may include taking x-rays and visually examining the mouth. Depending on the condition of the gums, the amount of calculus (tartar) present, and the depth of the pockets, Drs. Ira and Lori may recommend scaling and root planing. In most cases, a local anesthesia is used to assure patient comfort during the procedure.
- Scaling:
When scaling is performed, calculus and plaque that attaches to the tooth and root surfaces is removed. The process targets the calculus that you can’t remove, this includes calculus and plaque above and below the gum line, along the root. Scaling is performed with special dental hand instruments as well as an ultrasonic scaling tools. The scaling procedure also involves irrigation of the gum pockets to deliver an antimicrobial agent below the gums to help further reduce periodontal oral bacteria. - Root Planing:
Root planing is performed in order to remove cementum and surface dentin that is embedded with unwanted microorganisms, toxins and tartar. The root of the tooth is literally smoothed, which promotes healing and reattachment of the gums, and also helps prevent bacteria from easily colonizing in the future.
Antibiotics or irrigation with anti-microbials (chemical agents or mouth rinses) may be recommended to help control the growth of bacteria that create toxins and cause periodontal disease. In some cases, Drs. Ira and Lori may place antibiotic fibers in the periodontal pockets after scaling and root planing or during supportive maintenance therapy. This may be done to control infection and to encourage normal healing.
When deep pockets between teeth and gums are present, it can be difficult to thoroughly remove plaque and calculus making it more difficult for patients with Periodontal Disease to keep these pockets clean and free of dental plaque. As a result, surgery may be needed to restore periodontal health.
Benefits of Treatment
Scaling and planing may have many health benefits. It is often the first line of treatment for Periodontal Disease. It can be used to help prevent the recurrence of periodontal disease and the systemic complications associated with this disease. Research has proven that bacteria from periodontal infections can travel through the blood stream and affect other areas of the body, sometimes contributing to cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, some types of cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, ED and diabetes. Scaling and root planing remove bacteria that can contribute to these conditions. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2443711/
Another benefit of treatment is protecting your mouth against tooth loss. When gum pockets exceed 3mm in depth, the risk for periodontal disease increases. As pockets deepen, more bacteria are able to colonize along the root surface, eventually causing a chronic inflammatory response by the body which contributes to the destruction of the supporting structures of the teeth, (the gingiva, periodontal ligament and jawbone). This can lead to tooth loss.
Finally, scaling and root planing may make the mouth more aesthetically pleasing, and should reduce bad breath caused from food particles and bacteria in the oral cavity. Superficial stains on the teeth will be removed during scaling and root planing.