Scaling and Root Planning

The objective of scaling and root planing is to remove or eliminate the etiologic agents which cause inflammation: dental plaque, its products and calculus, thus helping to establish a periodontium that is free of disease.

Root planing is a specific treatment that removes the roughened cementum and surface dentin that is impregnated with calculus, microorganisms and their toxins.

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Before Scaling Two weeks later

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Periodontal pockets occur with destruction of supporting periodontal tissue. Progressive pocket deepening leads to destruction of supporting periodontal tissues, tooth loosening and finally loss of tooth. Scaling and root planing with maintenance care involving regular three month prophylaxis can arrest further deepening of these pockets.

Surgical Osseous (Bone) / Flap Therapy

The Periodontist gains access to the root of the tooth for removal of plaque, calculus and diseased tissue. The gum is then carefully returned back into place.

Inner bone shaping or removal may sometimes accompany flap therapy in order to ease tissue positioning.

Bone grafts may be placed to enhance the amount of bone and provide support to the teeth.

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