Scaling and root planing is the most common and conservative form of treatment for gum disease.
Scaling removes calculus (which is also known as tartar) from tooth surfaces. This procedure focuses mostly on the area below the gum line.
Plaque must be removed due to the fact that it harbors bacteria. If it is not removed, it will harden over time into calculus. Because plaque is more likely to stick to rough places on tooth roots, dentists will use root planing to smooth out these areas. This procedure removes any remaining calculus and smoothes irregular areas of the root surface.
The intention of scaling and root planing is to eliminate the source of periodontal infection. In the early stages of periodontal disease, this procedure may be all that is needed to get the infection under control. This is especially the case with gingivitis. However, with more advanced cases of Periodontitis, this procedure may be used as a prelude to gum surgery.
The scaling and root planing procedure is done with a combination of ultrasonic instruments, called scalars, and a number of manual instruments of different types, shapes, and sizes.
The ultrasonic instruments either run on electricity or air power. Two components comprise both types. The first component is a dull metal tip that vibrates at a very high frequency. This tip, when placed on the tooth, actually vibrates plaque and calculus off of its surface. The second component is a water stream that flows from within the instrument. This keeps the tip cool and the washes away debris from the tooth.
The hand instruments that dentists use on tooth roots feature sharp edges that the dentist uses to chip away plaque and calculus. The different types, shapes, and sizes of these instruments are designed for working on different types of teeth, and on different areas of a specific tooth.
In many cases, ultrasonic instruments are necessary for removing the largest deposits of calculus and tartar on the crowns and roots of the teeth. Then, the hand instruments, known as curettes and scalars, are used to take out the remainder. This is done until the dentist is absolutely certain that the tooth is completely clean and smooth.
Another reason that dentists use hand instruments is because they need to work under the gumline. Dentists cannot always see plaque and calculus. They need hand instruments to help them feel the material so we can properly remove it bit by bit.
Scaling and root planing offers great benefits to patients. It removes the source of infection, and it helps the gums heal and tighten around your teeth. It also restores a healthy smile to the patient.
When a patient has active periodontal disease, routine cleanings are not enough because they generally focus on the areas of the tooth that are above the gumline.
A special form of scaling and root planing, also known as SRP, removes plaque, tartar, and bacterial toxins from tooth surfaces below the gumline.
If only a few pockets of infection are present, dentists may treat only those teeth. However, when the infection is more widespread, dentists may treat only one or two sections of the mouth at a time, and space multiple treatments over several appointments.
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