The Process of Scaling and Root Planing

If you have chronic gum disease, your periodontist will likely first recommend a treatment called scaling and root planing. According to the Journal of Evidenced-Based Dental Practice, this procedure is the “gold standard” for patients with periodontitis. Essentially, it’s like a deep dental cleaning for your gums.

As you may already know, two major aspects of gum disease are gum recession, wherein the roots of your teeth become exposed, and “pockets” that form in your gums, which give bacteria, plaque and tartar excellent places to hide. Scaling eliminates all those hazardous substances from the pockets, while root planing levels out any rough areas on the roots of your teeth. Root planing will enable new gum tissue to regenerate over the exposed roots and help your mouth heal.

Without medication, scaling and root planing would be very uncomfortable, if only for the reason that with gum disease your gums and teeth can be very sensitive. However, Dr. Youssef Saad will administer a numbing agent.

After your gums have had the opportunity to regenerate, Dr. Youssef Saad will likely call you in for a follow-up visit. In most cases, patients’ gums will heal nicely. In a few advanced cases, surgical intervention may be required to further treat the gum disease. After any major treatments are concluded, we will schedule periodic maintenance visits for routine cleanings and exams.

To book a scaling and root planing or another routine appointment at Pearl Smile Dental in Fort Worth, Texas, please call 817-921-3400. Soon we’ll have you on your way to healthier and happier smile!