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The Difference between Scaling and Root Planing

By Reno Laser Dentistry

December 23, 2011

Category: Gum Disease

Tags: Dentist Reno Laser Dentistry Scaling and Root Planing Gingivitis Periodontitis Gum Disease Dental Treatments

Maybe it’s been awhile that you’ve seen your dentist, so you schedule a routine appointment. Come to find out your dentist tells you that scaling and root planing must be done. When patients have neglected routine scheduled cleanings, as a result plaque is then left longer on their teeth. When plaque hardens it turns into calculus, known as tarter. Even when patients do the recommended brushing and flossing daily calculus doesn’t come off, which causes gingivitis. As a result if left untreated patients will have periodontitis, known as gum disease. Scaling and root planing is the most common treatment for this condition.

A standard “cleaning” involves removal of soft bacterial plaque, hard calculus (tartar) and stains from the teeth ABOVE the gum-line. This is really only a cosmetic procedure. If the crevice around your teeth (called the “sulcus”) is deeper than 3 mm (about 1/8”) you cannot clean the bacterial plaque from the bottom of the sulcus. This is called a “pocket” and is infected because of the bacteria you can’t remove. Without treatment pockets get progressively worse, destroying bone around the roots of the teeth. Eventually the teeth can fall out. Periodontal scaling is a specialized skill; make sure your dentist is an expert on this condition.

Root planing or a “deep” cleaning involves carefully removing the bacteria, calculus and bacterial toxins which penetrate the root so these pockets can heal. This procedure is “therapeutic” (not cosmetic) because it treats the disease process. It takes more skill and time and often is completed over 2, 3, or 4 appointments. Once root planing is done you should continue to have periodontal maintenance scaling every 3 months to control the gum disease and prevent bone loss. Dr. McElhinney’s dental practice located in Reno is the leading expert on this condition contact his office for more information.