Tests, Diagnosis & Treatment
Scaling & Root Planing
Periodontal Scaling
Periodontal Planing
When you get your “teeth cleaned” the hygienist removes only the soft sticky plaque that is above the gum line. Scaling and root planing is a method of treating gum disease when pockets have formed around the teeth.
The procedure allows us to remove: contamination, toxins, micro-organisms, plaque “Biofilm”, and tartar “Calculus” that have permeated around and below the gum. The root surfaces of your teeth are smoothed so the gum tissues can more firmly reattach.
Because this procedure goes deeper than a regular cleaning, you will be given an anesthetic, to minimize any discomfort. The cleaning will usually take two visits to complete depending on the extent of the disease. In some cases, the occlusion (bite) may require adjustment.
Antibiotics or irrigation with anti-microbials (chemical agents or mouth rinses) may be recommended to help control the growth of bacteria that create toxins and cause periodontitis. In some cases, Dr. Wolf may place antibiotic fibers in the periodontal pockets after scaling and planing. This may be done to control infection and to encourage normal healing.
When deep pockets between teeth and gums are present, it is difficult for Dr. Wolf to thoroughly remove plaque and tartar. Patients can seldom, if ever, keep these pockets clean and free of plaque. Consequently, surgery may be needed to restore periodontal health.