Beverly Hills Periodontal Institute

Scaling And Root Planing

Scaling and root planing is also referred to as conventional periodontal therapy, non-surgical periodontal therapy or deep cleaning. It is the process of removing dental bacteria as well as plaque and its hard by-product, tartar. Like bacteria and plaque, tartar (also called calculus) is typically found below the gum line. Scaling and root planing will only be performed after a thorough visual examination of the mouth, which may include taking X-rays. Depending on the condition of the gums, the amount of tartar present, the depth of the pockets, and the progression of periodontitis, Dr. Madison may recommend scaling and root planing. In most cases, a local anesthesia may be used during the procedure.

Scaling

When scaling is performed, calculus (tartar) and plaque that attaches to the tooth surfaces are removed. The process especially targets the area below the gum line, along the root. Scaling is performed with special instruments called scalers as well as ultrasonic instruments. The scaling instrument usually includes an irrigation process that can be used to deliver an antimicrobial agent below the gums to help reduce oral bacteria.

Root Planing

Root planing is performed in order to remove the infected tooth surfaces (cementum and surface dentin) that are embedded with unwanted microorganisms, toxins and tartar. The root of the tooth is literally smoothed, or planed, which promotes healing and also helps prevent bacteria from easily colonizing in the future.

Antibiotics or irrigation with anti-microbials (chemical agents or mouth rinses) may be recommended to help control the growth of bacteria that create toxins and cause periodontitis. In some cases, Dr. Madison may place locally administered antibiotics (Arestin) in the periodontal pockets after scaling and root planing. This may be done to control infection and to encourage normal healing. When deep pockets between teeth and gums are present, it is difficult to thoroughly remove plaque and tartar. Patients can seldom, if ever, keep these pockets clean and free of plaque. Consequently, if after scaling and root planing, there still remain residual pockets, surgery may be necessary to restore periodontal health.

Benefits of Treatment

Scaling and root planing has many benefits. Besides restoring the health of the teeth, research has shown that bacteria from periodontal infections can enter the body through the infected gum lining and then travel through the bloodstream and affect other areas of the body, sometimes causing heart and respiratory diseases. Scaling and root planing removes bacteria that may cause or contribute to these conditions.

Another benefit of treatment is protecting teeth against bone loss. When gum pockets exceed 3mm in depth, the risk for periodontal disease increases. As pockets deepen, more bacteria are able to colonize, eventually causing a chronic inflammatory response by the body to destroy gingiva and bone tissue. This leads to tooth loss.

Finally, scaling and root planing may make the mouth more aesthetically pleasing by removing dark stains and buildup around the teeth. It will also help in the elimination and reduction of chronic bad breath. Chronic bad breath, or halitosis, is usually caused by the same bacteria that causes gum disease.
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Dental Reviews & Testimonials

Over 35+ ★★★★★ Star Reviews

Very rarely have I experience such care and compassion from a doctor/periodontist. I appreciate that Doctor Madison took his time with me, given that I was a nervous patient. He made sure that I was completely comfortable before he started my procedure. Because of Doctor Madison I have confidence in continuing and maintaining my dental work, something that I have been putting off for years. I am so happy with the major improvement on my teeth and I am so grateful to Doctor Madison. I highly recommend him.
Mahtab Hakim
a year ago
I am writing this review for Dr. Madison as I feel obliged to, given the outstanding care he has provided my family. My son, daughter and my father have all seen Dr. Madison over the past year and the more times our family has seen Dr. Madison, the more impressed I am with him. We are very grateful for the exceptional care, the great bedside manner and the attention to detail that Dr. Madison provides. For my father, he was able to catch a serious infection in his tooth that his long-time dentist missed.
Romy Nourafchan
Dr. Madison is the BEST in the business. His staff is excellent and responsive, and Dr. Madison is extremely knowledgeable, reasonable, gentle, and thorough. The last two dentists I've seen have said that Dr. Madison is their no. 1 choice for a periodontist in Los Angeles.
Vassi Iliadis
Dr. Madison is the best dentist I have ever had. I have had to have an implant. He and his staff made me feel comfortable and relayed my fears. The office manager and the rest of the staff treat me politely and explain the whole procedure. I could not recommend them more to anyone who wants excellence in their dental care. Keep up the great work!
Charles Feldman

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