When your gums become inflamed, bacteria hides in pockets that trigger the gums to push away from the teeth. Once these layers or pockets have been formed, it is nearly impossible to clean them with just brushing alone. This is where scaling and root planing becomes necessary. During the scaling portion of this conventional periodontal therapy, our team will use a scaling tool to remove any plaque, bacteria, and tartar around the affected tooth and below the gumline all the way to the bottom of the infected pocket.

After the scaling is complete, we will move onto root planing. The root planing technique is used to smooth out the tooth’s root and ultimately remove the pocket caused by bacteria. When the root has been effectively smoothed, the gums can be reattached and have a greater chance of fully healing.

Some patients report mild discomfort during the procedure and increased sensitivity after the treatment is complete, but with a personalized treatment plan, we can help manage any discomfort and pain. Moving forward, practicing good oral hygiene is paramount for making sure that periodontal disease doesn’t become worse after seeking initial treatment at our office.