Scaling and Root Planing San Ramon, CA

The first step in treating periodontal disease after it has been diagnosed is performing scaling and root planing, or deep cleaning teeth and gums. Scaling and root planing is a careful cleaning of the root surfaces to remove plaque and calculus [tartar] from deep periodontal pockets and to smooth the tooth root to remove bacterial toxins.

Plaque is a soft yellow-grayish substance that adheres to the tooth surfaces including removable and fixed restorations. It is an organized biofilm that is primarily composed of bacteria in a matrix of glycoproteins and extracellular polysaccharides. This matrix makes it impossible to remove the plaque by rinsing or using sprays.

Although everyone has a tendency to develop plaque and material through regular brushing and flossing these organized colonies of bacteria are disturbed and eliminated from the oral cavity. In general, the more effective one's brushing, flossing, and other oral home care practices, the less plaque will accumulate on the teeth.

However, if, after 24 hours in the oral environment, biofilm remains undisturbed by brushing or flossing, it begins to absorb the mineral content of saliva. Through this absorption of calcium and phosphorus from the saliva, oral biofilm is transformed from the soft, easily removable form into a hard substance known as calculus. Commonly known as 'tartar', calculus provides a base for new layers of plaque biofilm to settle on and builds up over time. Calculus is harder than bone and cannot be removed by brushing or flossing.

Scaling and root planing is sometimes followed by adjunctive therapy such as local delivery antimicrobials, systemic antibiotics, and host modulation, as needed on a case-by-case basis.

Do You Have a Progressive Gum Disease?

Swollen gums, bleeding gums, receding gums, sore gums, gum pain, inflamed gums can be signs of an infection or a progressive gum disease.

Root planing and scaling is a simple procedure that can work very well to stop gum disease. Brush and floss regularly afterward. Without proper dental care, your gum disease may progress.

To promote healing, stop all use of tobacco. Smoking or using spit tobacco reduces your ability to fight infection of your gums and delays healing.

Dr. Kaeley, one of the best periodontist in the San Francisco Bay Area, shall provide you custom treatment options for your periodontal needs.