Scaling and root planing is a highly effective treatment for addressing gum disease before it becomes severe. This gum disease treatment involves a two-step deep cleaning process designed to remove harmful bacteria and plaque, helping to maintain your oral health.
The first step of this treatment is scaling. Scaling focuses on removing plaque and tartar (dental calculus) from the surface of your teeth. Over time, plaque can harden into tartar, which can only be removed through professional dental cleanings. Our skilled dentist and team use specialized instruments to carefully eliminate these deposits, ensuring your teeth are thoroughly cleaned.
The next step is root planing. During this part of the procedure, the roots of your teeth are meticulously cleaned and smoothed to remove bacterial toxins. Smoothing the root surfaces helps to prevent bacteria from reattaching, promoting healthy reattachment of the gums to the teeth.
The primary goals of scaling and root planing are to remove bacteria, plaque and tartar and to halt the progression of gum disease. While many patients find that scaling and root planing can be completed comfortably without anesthetic, we understand that comfort is paramount. Therefore, our dental team offers various anesthetic and comfort options to ensure your experience is as pleasant as possible. Depending on the extent of the treatment needed, we may schedule several appointments to treat different sections of your mouth.
In some cases, scaling and root planing may be combined with other periodontal therapies, such as antibiotic treatment, to enhance the results. For most patients, this deep cleaning procedure is sufficient to prevent further progression of periodontal disease.
If you have any questions, or would like more information about the benefits of scaling and root planing in Boise, Idaho, give State Street Dental a call at 208-939-1700 and make your appointment with Dr. Gregory Davis. We are here to help you achieve and maintain optimal oral health.