Deep Cleaning
Scaling and root planing are otherwise known as deep cleaning in dentistry. The procedure gets rid of tartar (hardened minerals) that can adhere to your teeth.
Tooth scaling removes tartar from the surface of your teeth that you see when you smile. Root planing removes tartar from the roots of your teeth below your gum line.
Procedure Details
What should you expect from a tooth scaling and root planing treatment?
This deep dental cleaning goes below your gum line to completely remove tartar from each of your teeth, including their roots. To minimize any discomfort or pain, we may numb your mouth with a local anesthetic. You’re awake for the procedures.
What happens during tooth scaling?
We use a vibrating tool called an ultrasonic scaler to perform the scaling process. These steps may take place during tooth scaling:
A vibrating metal tip on the scaler chips tartar off of your teeth above your gum line.
A water spray on the scaler washes away the tartar and flushes plaque from the gum pockets.
We use a manual (not powered) dental scaler and scraping device (called a curette) to remove small remaining pieces of tartar.
What happens during root planing?
Root planing is like tooth scaling except it takes place on the roots of your teeth that sit below your gum line. Sometimes, we may inject an antibiotic medication directly into any gum pockets.
What happens after tooth scaling and root planing?
Bacteria and plaque are less likely to stick to the smooth surfaces of your treated teeth. Inflammation decreases as your gums heal. Your healthy gums can reattach more firmly to the smoothed tooth roots.
