I have run across may questions during my career about this procedure, to help address any confusion, I have answered some of the very common questions that I get.
What is Scaling and Root Planing ? ( you may see the acronym SRP on your billing statement)
It is the most frequent method for treating periodontitis, or gum disease. the scaling and root planing (sometimes known as “deep cleaning”) are done when a Scalers are used by hygienist to clear plaque and calculus material from the enamel surfaces of the teeth during the operation. Then the hygienist removes calculus and other unhealthy tissue that has accumulated on root surfaces in periodontal pockets behind the gums with specially curved devices called “curettes.”
Why do I need Scaling and Root Planing? why I cannot get a regular cleaning?
Just below the visible gumline, healthy gum tissue produces a tight barrier around each tooth. Between the top of the gums and where they adhere to the tooth, immediately below and on the inside of the gum crest, there is a small area termed a “sulcus.” Popcorn husks commonly become lodged in the sulcus, for example. The sulcus in healthy gums is only 1 to 3 millimeters deep. Gingivitis, on the other hand, causes the gums to expand and pull away from the teeth. The sulcus enlarges as a result of the swelling, creating more space between the teeth and gums. More germs and plaque accumulate in that region, causing the gums to move away from the tooth root.
This procedure will continue if untreated. Plaque’s bacteria and acids eventually enlarge the space between the gums and teeth, forming a “periodontal pocket.” Because toothbrushes and floss can’t get deep enough into periodontal pockets to clean them, the bacterial plaque within it hardens into calculus. Periodontal calculus can lead to a variety of issues, including periodontal bone loss and tooth loss.
A scaling and root planing procedure performed by your hygienist is the only technique to remove calculus from periodontal pockets with certainty. Built-up calculus, bacterial plaque, and other unhealthy tissue are entirely removed by scaling and root planing.Built-up calculus, bacterial plaque, and other diseased tissue are fully removed from the periodontal pockets during scaling and root planing. Root planing helps the gums reattach to the root surfaces by smoothing them out. If you have gum disease with bone loss, I will most likely recommend scaling and root planing as your first procedure.
How can I tell if I need a deep cleaning?
generally speaking, if you have a periodontal disease you are not going to feel anything until the problem is becoming more serious. after all periodontal disease (may be referred as Gum Disease) is know as a silent disease. having said that, there are signs that a trained professional like I or my Hygienist such as You having a sulcus pockets that are more than 3mm deep which can be spotted During your routine dental exam, we use a probe to quantify these pockets. X-rays are also used to discover calculus within periodontal pockets, which will give us a complete picture.
there are also other signs that may be obvious to you such as: bleeding gums, red sensitive gums, or pain when brushing or flossing. swollen gums that are discolored, recessions, tooth pain or a bad breath (that would not go away even after brushing) are all signs that your may be having a periodontal disease.
How does Scaling and Root Planing work?
The procedure may require numerous appointments depending on how many teeth require scaling and root planing. Your dentist will perform the following procedures at each appointment:We begin by numbing the area of the mouth we’ll be working on with a local anesthetic. If we’re treating multiple areas, we’ll generally only numb one at a time to avoid the anesthetic from wearing off too soon.
Once the anesthesia has been confirmed to be working, your hygienist will begin scaling and planing the roots of your teeth to remove all calculus and debris from the periodontal pockets. To remove calculus more rapidly and efficiently, we may utilize an electric ultrasonic scaler. Then Scalers and curettes (curved instruments) are used by your hygienist to accomplish complete cleaning. These instruments fit between the teeth and the gums, allowing your hygienist to access the periodontal pockets.
Small pieces of the tooth’s cementum and dentin are removed during root planing ( this is a microscopic layer which have been infected by the bacteria). Curettes removes those debris while also smoothing out uneven surfaces on a tooth’s root to prevent germs, biofilm, and calculus from re-accumulating on the now clean surface. The gumline must be effectively re-attached to your teeth, which necessitates root planing.
Scaling and root planing are typically divided into four quadrants of the mouth: upper right, upper left, lower right, and lower left. Scaling and root planing a patient’s whole mouth normally necessitates several visits. We can either move on to the next part of the mouth after finishing one or wait until the following session.
What do I need after my Scaling and Root Planing?
We’ll want you to come back for a follow-up appointment a few weeks after the operation is finished. We’ll re-probe your gums and see how effective the scaling and root planing were in treating your gum disease during this session. We’ll also provide you advice on how to keep your new-found gum health. It may take several rounds of scaling and root planing to stop the progression of periodontal disease and restore tissue health.
Dr. Mustafa Alani 
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