SCALING AND ROOT PLANING

Scaling and root planing is one of the most effective, non-surgical ways to treat gum disease before it becomes severe. At Family Dental Group, we offer this and other services to patients looking for gum disease treatment. We proudly serve patients living in the Laguna Hills.

WHAT IS SCALING AND ROOT PLANING?

Scaling and root planing cleans between the gums and the teeth down to the roots. Scaling is the process of removing dental tartar from the surfaces of the teeth. Root planing is the process of smoothing out the root surfaces and removing any infected tooth structure. If you have gum disease or gum pocketing, the gum pockets around the teeth will have deepened, thereby allowing tartar deposits to form under the gum line. A careful cleaning of the root surfaces to remove plaque and calculus (tartar) from deep periodontal pockets and smoothing the tooth root to remove bacterial toxins will help ensure that your gum disease is controlled.

ORAL INFECTIONS

Everyone is at risk for oral infections, which begin to develop as a result of poor oral hygiene practices.

  • Dental Caries – This is the most common form of oral infection, and the leading cause of tooth decay. This is often caused by sugary foods, bacteria, and poor oral hygiene habits. It can lead patients to require fillings, crowns, or even tooth removal in severe cases.
  • Gingivitis – Also called gum disease, there are more people who have gingivitis than those who don’t. This is characterized by a build-up of bacteria around the gumline, which can cause the gums to bleed when brushing or flossing. If untreated, it can lead to periodontal disease.
  • Periodontal Disease – When gingivitis advances past the gumline and starts to affect the bones and other structures, periodontal disease begins to develop. This is the most common cause of tooth loss, as it is responsible for inflammation and bone loss in the affected areas.

Oral infections are the largest cause of tooth decay and tooth loss, but can be avoided with good dental hygiene. Treatments such as scaling and root planing can help thoroughly cleanse the mouth and rid it of the bacteria that causes these diseases.