After you are diagnosed with gum disease, one of the first treatments our periodontist may recommend is scaling and root planing. This treatment is essential to preventing your disease from escalating and causing more serious dental health issues.
Scaling and root planing, often referred to as a deep cleaning, consists of two primary steps designed to cleanse the teeth and gums:
- Scaling: This process involves the meticulous removal of plaque and tartar (also known as dental calculus) from the tooth surfaces. Tartar is hardened plaque that has firmly attached to the enamel and can extend below the gum line. Our periodontist and team use specialized tools to carefully eliminate these deposits without damaging the tooth enamel.
- Root Planing: Following scaling, the next step is root planing. During this procedure, the roots of the teeth are smoothed out. This smoothing process helps remove bacterial toxins and provides a clean, flat surface to which the gums can reattach, reducing the depths of periodontal pockets.
To ensure thorough treatment and minimize discomfort, scaling and root planing may be performed over several visits, with each session focusing on a different quadrant of the mouth.
The primary objectives of scaling and root planing include:
- Eradicating bacteria and toxins from beneath the gums
- Removing plaque and tartar buildup
- Halting the progression of gum disease
For many patients, scaling and root planing is an effective stand-alone treatment that can prevent the advancement of periodontal disease. However, in some cases, it may be combined with additional periodontal therapies, such as localized antibiotic treatments, to enhance healing and manage infection.
We are committed to ensuring patient comfort during all dental treatments. Most patients find that scaling and root planing can be completed comfortably without anesthesia. However, for those who may feel anxious or anticipate discomfort, we offer a variety of anesthetic and comfort options. Our team is here to make sure you feel relaxed and pain-free throughout the procedure.
Call 212-838-0090 today to schedule your appointment with Dr. Pasquale Malpeso and learn more about how scaling and root planing in New York, New York, can improve your health!