Periodontal Scaling and Root Planing are considered essential periodontal services. If plaque and tartar are left on the teeth, it provides the right conditions for bacteria to thrive. The bacteria then irritates your gums, which means that they can bleed more easily. This is the early stage of gum disease called gingivitis. Normally, most people visit the dentist to have a regular dental hygiene checkup and teeth cleaning which works well to control the build-up of this bacteria.
However, if gingivitis is not treated and nothing is done about it, the inflammation will work it’s way down towards the foundation of the teeth causing a “pocket.” Inside this newly-formed pocket, bacteria can thrive and can cause even more damage. This can end up becoming quite a severe situation for the patient, ultimately leading towards periodontal disease itself.
Periodontists are specialists in treating periodontal disease and perform what is called a “Deep Cleaning,” a process that consists of Scaling and Root Planing.
