Patient Education
Scaling and Root Planing
Online Dental Education Library
We strive to improve the overall dental health of our patients by focusing on preventing, diagnosing and treating conditions associated with your teeth and gums. Please use our dental library on the bottom left side of this page to learn more about dental problems and treatments available including waterlase dentistry. If you have questions or need to schedule an appointment, contact us.
Some cases of acute periodontal (gum) disease that do not respond to more conventional treatment and self-care such as flossing may require a special kind of cleaning called scaling and root planing.
The procedure begins with administration of a local anesthetic to reduce any discomfort. Then, a small instrument called a "scaler," or an ultrasonic cleaner, is used to clean beneath your gum line to remove plaque and tartar.
The root surfaces on the tooth are then planed and smoothed. This lets the gum tissue heal and reattach itself to the tooth.
