WHAT IS SCALING AND ROOT PLANING?

Scaling and root planing, often known as thorough cleaning, is an important dental technique for fighting gum disease, especially in its early to moderate phases. To avoid additional bacterial buildup, plaque and tartar are removed from below the gumline and the root surfaces of the teeth are smoothed.

The first stage is scaling, which is used to remove plaque and calculus from the tooth surfaces. It is performed with specialist dental instruments such as ultrasonic scalers and manual scaling tools. This procedure reduces inflammation and promotes healthier gums.

Root planing is performed after scaling and is intended to smooth down the tooth roots, preventing germs from reattaching to these surfaces. A smoother root surface facilitates gum reattachment to the teeth, effectively reducing the periodontal pocket depth and avoiding gum disease progression.

Scaling and root planing can dramatically improve dental health and minimize the need for more invasive treatments such as gum surgery. Regular dental check-ups, professional cleanings, and adequate at-home oral care are critical for maintaining healthy gums and preventing gum disease from developing.