Scaling and Root Planing

Periodontal disease is something many of our patients struggle with. Fortunately, our patients are helped by the variety of treatments we provide here at Family Dental Rego Park to take care of periodontal disease and protect their teeth. One of these procedures is called scaling and root planing, which removes tartar from the tooth’s surface.

Periodontal disease is a severe form of gum disease that allows bacteria to attack the teeth, roots and nerves. If it goes untreated, it can lead to the loss of teeth and gums, as well as affect the bones and roots of the teeth. If there is excessive tartar and plaque on the teeth or below the gumline, it can cause the bacteria to multiply and make the gums bleed. This leads to gum disease, or gingivitis, which can then lead to periodontal disease.

With root planing, Dr. Binod Verma removes tartar from the teeth with dental tools (scraping instruments or an ultrasonic tool), usually without anesthesia. Some patients have tooth or gum sensitivity, and will need some local anesthesia. After the planing is complete, scaling is done, which simply smoothes out the tooth surfaces to prevent bacteria from forming. Some of our patients have this done in a single visit, though others return for multiple visits. Scaling and root planing is an important weapon against periodontal disease. Visit our website to learn more about non-surgical scaling and root planing.