Bacterial plaque is a sticky film continually forming on our teeth and gums. If not removed, plaque mineralizes to form a hard deposit called tartar. The tartar in turn becomes yet a better collector of plaque! When deposits for plaque and tartar remain present, dental disease - both decay and periodontal disease - will develop.

When the dental professionals at West 10th Dental Group have identified the presence of tartar and periodontal disease, most times the initial therapy will be the process of scaling and root planing.

Scaling and root planing is a special type of cleaning to remove the plaque and tartar beneath the gums. This "deep cleaning" allows the gums return to optimal health by removing the bacterial causes of dental disease.

Scaling and root planning can be done in 1-4 visits - depending upon the severity of accumulation and the desires of the patient. Most commonly a topical or a local anesthetic is used to minimize sensitivity while removing the mineralized deposits from beneath the gum line.

Within 4 to 6 weeks after scaling and root planing, the health of the periodontal tissue is re-evaluated and the teeth are given a final cleaning and polish.

Proper home care along with regular visits to your dental hygiene professionals at West 10th Dental Group will help prevent additional need for periodontal therapy in the future!

Back To Main