Scaling and
Root Planing

Expert Scaling and Root Planing

What is Scaling and Root Planing?

At Dentistry by Dr. David, The Bolton Center for Dental Wellness, we consistently look to provide care that will benefit our patients’ long term oral health. You will first meet with our Dentists during your initial appointment prior to your first hygiene appointment. Post this discussion you, the hygiene appointment will be conducted by one of our registered dental hygienists. During a standard hygiene appointment, our hygienists not only inspect your teeth, but also evaluate your tongue, your mouth, your airway, your gums and tooth roots. During this assessment, they may determine that gum disease (also known as periodontal disease) is present which means that one of our hygienists will recommend scaling and root planing, also known as “deep cleaning”.

When Does Scaling and Root Planing Make Sense?

Scaling and Root Planing (“SRP”) is a non-surgical dental procedure aimed at treating the gum disease. It involves meticulous cleaning of the teeth, gums, and tooth roots to remove plaque, tartar (calculus), and bacterial toxins that have accumulated below the gumline.

How is Scaling and Root Planing Performed

Scaling and root planing requires two appointments. During the appointment our hygienists will anesthetize the gums prior to the procedure. Our hygienists will use a specialized hand dental instrument and an ultrasonic cleaner that uses high frequency vibration to remove plaque and tartar from the tooth surfaces, both above and below the gumline. This process helps to eliminate bacteria and their byproducts, reducing inflammation and promoting gum health. During the appointment the hygienist will smooth the rough surfaces of the tooth roots to discourage further plaque and tartar buildup and to facilitate the reattachment of the gums to the teeth. We recommend as part of the periodontal therapy to apply ozone to further periodontal health recovery.

Patient Benefits of Scaling and Root Planing

Scaling and root planing effectively removes harmful bacteria and tartar (calculus) from beneath the gums, halts the progression of gum disease, and promotes the regeneration of healthy gum tissue. Since the scaling and root planing procedure eliminates the sources of infection, it can prevent tooth loss and help maintain overall oral health. From an aesthetics point of view, this procedure can improve the appearance of the teeth and gums by reducing gum inflammation and restoring a more youthful, pinkish hue to the gum tissue.

How Long Will My Appointment Take?

Each appointment time varies depending on gum disease severity and how many teeth are impacted. Generally, the procedure can take anywhere from one to two hours to complete for a full mouth treatment. With cases of more advanced periodontal disease, multiple appointments may be necessary to thoroughly clean all affected areas.

Does This Change How Often I Should Have a Cleaning?

Generally, our hygienists will recommend maintenance cleanings every three months.