Scaling and Root Planing

Advanced gum disease requires the dentist or hygienist to clean below the gum line to remove hardened deposits called tartar or calculus. This is done to prevent further damage and restore and stabilize the tooth.

For some patients, a local anesthetic is used in the affected area. Then, a small scaling instrument and/or ultrasonic cleaning device are used to remove the deposits.

After cleaning, the root may need to be smoothed, or planed, to restore it as much as possible to its original shape. Planing also allows your gum tissue to better attach itself and heal properly.