Scaling and root planing
(Redirected from Scaling)
Scaling and root planing, also known as conventional periodontal therapy, non-surgical periodontal therapy, or deep cleaning, is a procedure involving removal of dental plaque and calculus (scaling or debridement) and then smoothing, or planing, of the (exposed) surfaces of the roots, removing cementum or dentine that is impregnated with calculus, toxins, or microorganisms, the etiologic agents that cause inflammation. This helps to establish a periodontium that is in remission of periodontal disease. Periodontal scalers and periodontal curettes are some of the tools involved.
Procedure[edit | edit source]
In the procedure of scaling and root planing, the dentist or dental hygienist will use manual hand instruments and/or ultrasonic instruments. These tools allow the dental professional to reach deposits of plaque and tartar beneath the gum line that would be impossible to reach with a toothbrush or floss alone.
Indications[edit | edit source]
Scaling and root planing is performed to treat periodontal disease. Chronic periodontal diseases are infectious diseases caused by bacteria in the dental plaque. The bacteria cause inflammation of the gums, which can lead to damage of the periodontal ligament and the alveolar bone, leading to tooth loss in severe cases.
Risks and complications[edit | edit source]
As with any medical procedure, there are some risks and potential complications associated with scaling and root planing. These can include infection, tooth sensitivity, and gum discomfort. However, these risks are generally low and the procedure is considered safe for most patients.
Aftercare[edit | edit source]
After the procedure, patients may experience some tooth sensitivity and gum tenderness, but these symptoms should subside within a few days. Good oral hygiene practices, including regular brushing and flossing, can help to prevent the recurrence of periodontal disease.
See also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
| Scaling and root planing Resources | |
|---|---|
|
 |
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
