Scaling & Root Planning

Scaling And Root Planing

Controlling the bacteria in your mouth is literally at the “root” of keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Plaque is always forming on our teeth, and may cause inflammation. Even with proper brushing and flossing at home, bacteria are able to enter your tissue below the gumline. The result may be inflammation, infection, even eventual bone loss and tooth loss. The solution to the problem: scaling and root planing, the professional cleaning technique that reduces bacterial action and encourages healing.

How Does It Work?

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), scaling is when your dentist removes plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) above and below the gumline, cleaning to the bottom of any pockets that have formed between your tooth and gum caused by bacterial inflammation. The next step is root planing, which planes or smoothes the tooth root, and helps the gum heal and re-attach to the teeth.

This procedure may require local anesthesia to reduce discomfort, and you may choose to divide the procedure into more than one appointment.

Using the Denmat Pro-Select Platinum® Ultrasonic Scaling and Heated Irrigation system, Dr. Kirakosian gives this treatment using a uniquely designed LED hand piece. The powerful light allows her to view your mouth with a broader field of vision as she works. This system also requires less water-pressure than older technologies, and the procedure is far quieter and more comfortable than hand-scaling techniques used in the past.