Cleaning, Scaling and Root Planing

Since 1998 there has been overwhelming evidence produced linking the condition of your mouth, teeth and gum tissue to many diseases. Periodontal (gum tissue) disease may lead to:

•An increase in risk of stroke
•Increased risk of heart disease
•Increase in certain risks during pregnancy
•Increase in complications of, or potential for diabetes
•Respiratory diseases
•Osteoporosis

Regular visits here will help you maintain your oral health and allow us to detect signs of nutritional deficiencies, infections, immune disorders, potential for heart disease, diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure) and some forms of cancer.

Some cases of gum disease that do not respond to traditional treatment and preventative care such as flossing may require a special kind of deep cleaning, scaling and root planing.

A local topical anesthetic will be given to reduce any discomfort. Then a small ultrasonic cleaner, called a “scaler,” will be used to clean beneath your gum line to remove plaque and tartar. The root surfaces on the tooth are then planed and smoothed. If effective, deep cleaning, scaling and root planing helps the gums reattach themselves to the tooth structure. If periodontal pockets still persist, additional measures may be needed.