What is Scaling and Root Planing?

If our dentist in Northridge diagnoses you with periodontal disease, we may recommend a scaling and root planing procedure. A scaling and root planing procedure is essentially a type of deep cleaning that can help you get rid of the bacteria that are irritating and infecting your gums and get your periodontal disease under control. 

 

The scaling procedure is used to remove all plaque and tartar buildup. Unfortunately, plaque and tartar can accumulate not just on the visible parts of your teeth but also below the gum line. These deposits push gums away from the teeth and create pockets. We clean these pockets out, and then we perform the root planing. Root planing is used to smooth the roots of the teeth so that the gums can more easily reattach as they heal. In some cases, we may place antimicrobial fibers or prescribe an antimicrobial mouthwash to combat bacteria after treatment.

 

We may use a local or topical anesthetic to numb your gums and ensure a more comfortable procedure, but this is not always necessary. Contact our office today if you have any symptoms of periodontal disease, and we will schedule your consultation with our expert in scaling and root planing in Northridge as soon as possible.