Scaling & Root Planing

Periodontal disease causes swollen, unhealthy gums to retract from teeth due to pockets where harmful plaque and tartar amass. During the scaling part of the procedure, the dentist or hygienist eradicates plaque, tartar, and bacteria from your teeth and tooth roots using hand tools or electronic instruments, or sometimes a combination of both.

Why Choose Dr. Ken Morgan for Scaling & Root Planing?

Dr. Ken Morgan’s vast experience in performing scaling and root planing ensures precise and effective treatment. His commitment to patient comfort and meticulous approach can help slow or halt the progression of your gum disease. Choosing Dr. Morgan means partnering with a dedicated dental professional for your gum health needs.

Understanding Scaling & Root Planing

Scaling and root planing, often referred to as “deep cleaning” or “periodontal therapy,” is the foremost treatment for patients diagnosed with gum disease, or periodontitis. If your periodontitis is at risk of worsening, the dentist may suggest this treatment to prevent further advancement of your gum disease. However, it’s important to understand that this isn’t a one-time procedure. To maintain optimal oral health despite your condition, you may need to continue with periodic scaling and root planing as recommended by your dentist.

Procedure Overview

The hand-held tools used in this procedure are a scaler and a curette. Resembling a metal chopstick with a sharp, curved tip, these tools gently scrape along your tooth below the gum line, removing areas of tartar and plaque buildup.

Electronic scalers employ ultrasonic vibration to remove plaque and tartar. The metal tip of the tool vibrates to chip away tartar, and an accompanying water spray washes away the debris. The water spray also helps to keep the tool’s tip cool.

In the root planing stage of the treatment, the dentist or hygienist smooths the tooth root surface, making it less hospitable for bacteria and promoting gum reattachment. The same tools mentioned earlier are used, but the focus shifts to smoothing any rough spots. After root planing, a disinfectant or antibiotics may be applied to prevent bacterial regrowth.

We understand that gums can be sensitive, especially if swollen from periodontitis. Therefore, before starting the scaling and root planing treatment, we will numb your gums to ensure a pain-free, comfortable experience. Typically, we treat one or two quadrants of the mouth at a time, meaning we only need to numb one side of the mouth. This approach allows you to eat and drink relatively normally after your appointment as the anesthesia begins to wear off.