Non-Surgical Periodontal Scaling & Root Planing:

The treatment of mild periodontal disease (pockets less than 5 mm) and gum disease (gingivitis) is usually a thorough special "deep," "non-surgical" or "periodontal" cleaning that may include scaling and root planing (SRP) to remove plaque and tartar (calculus) deposits beneath the gum line.This smoothes the root surface allowing the gum tissue to heal and reattach to the tooth root reducing the pocket. Treatment usually involves one or more visits. If needed sedation can be used to keep you comfortable and relaxed.

If this is the recommended treatment, surgery may be avoided. Neglecting treatment may result in the need for periodontal surgery and even loss of teeth (link no treatment).

To keep the disease from recurring, regular cleanings (link importance recalls) are important.

In some cases, the occlusion (bite) may require adjustment.

Health Gums	Gingivitis "Gum Disease"	Scaling and Root Planing Returnes Gums to a Health State

Antibiotics or oral irrigators with anti-microbials (chemical agents or mouth rinses)(link mouth rinse section) may be recommended to help control the growth of bacteria that create toxins and cause periodontal disease. In some cases, our Hygienists may place a locally delivered antibiotic 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 for doctors and hygienists to thoroughly remove plaque and tartar. Patients can seldom, if ever, keep deep pockets clean and free of plaque. Consequently, conventional periodontal surgery may be needed to restore periodontal health. In most cases, a laser can be used to conservatively treat periodontal disease instead of conventional periodontal surgery.