Sustain a Healthy Smile
The main reason for scaling and root planing is to eliminate the source of gum disease (periodontal infection). When there is active periodontal disease, routine cleanings are not enough because they mainly focus on the areas of the tooth that are above the gumline. A scaling and root planing procedure, sometimes called SRP, removes plaque, tartar, and bacterial toxins from the tooth surfaces below the gumline.
To keep our patients comfortable, we usually numb the area before the procedure begins.
With special instruments, we carefully remove the plaque and tartar around the tooth and then smooth the root surfaces. We may also apply fluoride or a medication to the area.
If you have just a few areas of infection, we may treat just those teeth. However, if the infection is widespread in the mouth, we may treat one or two sections of your mouth at a time, dividing the treatment over several appointments.
Scaling and root planing helps your gums heal and tighten around the teeth and gives you back your healthy smile.