Scaling & Root Planing

Scaling and rootplaning is a careful cleaning of the root surfaces to remove plaque and calculus [tartar] from deep periodontal pockets and to smooth the tooth root to remove bacterial toxins.

Scaling and rootplaning is often followed by adjunctive therapy such as local delivery antimicrobials and host modulation, as needed on a case-by-case basis.

Most periodontists would agree that after scaling and rootplaning, many patients do not require any further active treatment. However, patients will require ongoing maintenance therapy to sustain periodontal health.