Root Planing

What is root planing?

Root planing and scaling are therapeutic treatments to remove toxins and bacteria from the root surfaces of the teeth. Periodontal disease can be treated with root planing.

Removing toxins allows the body's immune system to begin the healing process. Calculus is also scaled away. These procedures are used as complete treatment in some stages of periodontal disease and as part of preparing the mouth for surgery in others.

Bacteria irritate the gums, which means that they bleed more easily. This is the early stage of gum disease called gingivitis. If you have gingivitis, your dental hygienist will clean your teeth by scaling and polishing them. They may also recommend an antiseptic mouthwash.

The majority of adults have some degree of gum disease.

To stop gum disease from progressing, you may be referred to a periodontal specialist for deep cleaning. This gets rid of the bacteria in the pocket and provides the necessary conditions for healing to occur.

What is the difference between an ordinary cleaning and deep cleaning?

Scaling is basically the process of removing dental tartar from the surfaces of the teeth.

Root planing is the process of smoothing the root surfaces and removing any infected tooth structure.

If you have gum disease or gum pocketing, the gum pockets around the teeth will have deepened, thereby allowing tartar deposits to form under the gum line.

How long does it take?

Typically with deeper pockets and extensive rough root surfaces, the deep scaling and root planing procedure might be broken down into quadrants or halves of work per appointment.

This also allows for only a part of the mouth being frozen at a time and makes for more manageable, shorter appointments.