Scaling and Root Planing is the initial, non-surgical treatment for gum (or periodontal) disease. When gingivitis is left untreated the infection and bacteria will spread deeper into the bone causing the bone to melt away (“bone loss”). In severe cases of gum disease, there can be tooth loss as they become loose. Untreated gum disease can have negative impacts on your overall health, contributing to conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.
Scaling and Root Planing, or SRPs for short, are generally known as “deep cleanings” and will stop the spread of infection and lower the inflammation within the gums. We recommend SRPs to be done in 2 sessions (they must be within a week from each other for the treatment to be more effective). Expect numbing as calculus needs to be reached below the gums. The soft and hard deposits underneath the gums will be removed using ultrasonic and hand scalers.
After both sessions of SRPs are completed, the depth of periodontal or gum pockets will be re-measured at the separate appointment called a “re-evaluation.” This occurs 6 weeks after the first SRP was done. After completion of SRP, it is important to maintain the health of your gums by proper home care, and maintenance visits.
Typically, these cleanings, known as “periodontal maintenances,” are repeated every 3 months instead of every 6 months like it is with a regular cleaning.