Scaling and Root Planing

Using scaling and root planing procedures, our dentists can help mitigate the effects of gum disease. During these procedures, our dentists remove any sources of gum disease that are located on the surface of a patient’s tooth. Read below to learn more about scaling and root planning, then call 904-389-1376 to plan a visit with Dr. Christian Berdy or Dr. Cary Berdy.

Scaling and root planing is one of the most common and effective treatments recommended for gum disease before it becomes severe. This deep cleaning treatment includes two main steps:

• Scaling: This step removes plaque and tartar (dental calculus) from the tooth surface.
• Root Planing: This involves cleaning the roots of the teeth by smoothing the root to remove bacterial toxins.

The goals of scaling and root planing are to remove bacteria, plaque and tartar in order to halt the progress of gum disease. While most scaling and root planing treatments can be completed comfortably without anesthetic, our dental team is certainly happy to offer anesthetic and other comfort options if that makes you feel more at ease during your treatment.
Scaling and root planing treatments may be divided into several appointments, where we will treat one section of the mouth at each appointment.

The treatments sometimes may require incorporating other types of periodontal therapy, but for most patients, scaling and root planing is enough to prevent periodontal disease from progressing further.

For more information about the benefits of scaling and root planning or to learn more about the other types of periodontal treatment we offer, please contact our Jacksonville office at 904-389-1376.