Scaling and Root Planing in Peachtree City, GA

Scaling & Root Planing is the most common non-surgical treatment for periodontal disease. Special instruments are used to remove bacteria from the infected pockets around the teeth and below the gum line. This is often referred to as a “deep cleaning,” and when done by a periodontist, may be the only treatment a patient needs.

Scaling and root planing is a multistep procedure wherein the infected tooth is first scaled to remove tartar and plaque that has compiled on the tooth. Next, the root is planed, or smoothed, to eliminate areas on the root that can easily trap bacteria and plaque. A smooth root provides a healthy surrounding which permits gums to heal naturally. As the gums reattach to the planed tooth, the pocket is reduced, thereby removing areas for bacteria to hide and cause additional disease.

When treatment for periodontal disease is needed, it is often a non-surgical procedure. The American Academy of Periodontology encourages the use of non-surgical treatments whenever possible, and we also advocate these less invasive, non-surgical treatments. And with regular dental checkups and consistent attention to dental hygiene between office visits, the majority of people will never need dental surgery.