Scaling & Root Planing in Stockton, CA

Scaling and root planing are non-surgical procedures that thoroughly cleanse the periodontium. They work very effectively for people with gingivitis and with moderate to severe periodontal disease.

The distinction from a routine cleaning is depth. A standard prophylaxis cleans the tooth surfaces you can see and just below the gumline. Scaling and root planing go deeper, into the pockets that have formed between gum and root as the infection progressed.

Why it may be recommended

• Disease prevention. Oral bacteria that cause periodontal infections can travel via the bloodstream to other parts of the body. Research has linked periodontal bacteria to lung infections and heart disease.
• Tooth protection. When gum pockets exceed 3mm in depth, the risk of periodontal disease is greater. As pockets deepen they house more colonies of dangerous bacteria.
• Aesthetic effects. The procedure removes tartar and plaque from the teeth and below the gumline, and superficial stains come away in the process.
• Better breath. Halitosis is one of the most common signs of periodontal disease. Trapped food particles and bacteria produce a persistent odor that these procedures relieve.

What the treatment involves

Scaling and root planing are only performed after a thorough examination. We take X-rays, conduct a visual examination and make a diagnosis before recommending or beginning treatment. Depending on the condition of the gums, the amount of tartar present, the depth of the pockets and the progression of the periodontitis, a local anesthetic may be used.

Scaling is performed with specialized dental instruments, which may include an ultrasonic scaling tool. It removes calculus and plaque from the crown and root surfaces.

Root planing removes cementum and surface dentin embedded with unwanted microorganisms, toxins and tartar. The root is then smoothed to promote good healing, a rough root surface gives bacteria somewhere to hold on.

Afterward

Following the deep cleaning, gum pockets may be treated with antibiotics to soothe irritation and help the tissues heal quickly. At your next appointment we examine the gums again to see how well the pockets have responded.

Most patients move onto a shorter recall interval afterward, every three to four months rather than six, because maintenance is what keeps the disease from returning.

To find out whether scaling and root planing is the right treatment for your gums, request an appointment or call (209) 951-3436.

How treatment is scheduled

Scaling and root planing is only performed after a thorough examination of the mouth. Depending on how much of the mouth is affected, treatment may be completed across more than one appointment rather than all at once.

That staging is deliberate. Working through a portion of the mouth at a time keeps each appointment manageable, and allows us to see how the first treated area responds before completing the rest.

What happens between appointments

Home care does much of the work. The procedure removes the deposits feeding the infection; keeping them from re-forming is the part that happens daily, and your hygienist will show you specifically where plaque is accumulating in your mouth rather than offering general advice.

What it is trying to prevent

Untreated periodontal disease progresses toward bone loss and tooth loss. Once bone is gone the options narrow to bone grafting and, where teeth are lost, replacement with implants or dentures.

Set against that, a deep cleaning is the inexpensive intervention. Coverage for periodontal treatment varies between plans. See patient information or call the office at (209) 951-3436, and we will help you understand what yours includes.