Scaling and Root Planing

Scaling and root planning is offered by our dentist for patients who suffer from periodontal disease, also known as gum disease. This treatment helps keep your smile healthy and helps stall the progression of the disease. Learn more about scaling and root planing in Hoover, AL, by calling Spectra Dental Specialists at 205-822-3222 or scheduling an appointment with our team.

Scaling and root planning is one of the most common and effective treatments recommended for gum disease before it becomes severe. This deep cleaning treatment includes two main steps:

• Scaling: In scaling, we remove plaque and tartar (dental calculus) from the tooth surface.
• Root Planing: This step involves cleaning the roots of the teeth, smoothing them to remove bacterial toxins.

The goals of scaling and root planning are to remove bacteria, plaque, and tartar, and to halt the progress of the disease. While most scaling and root planing treatments can be completed comfortably without an anesthetic, our dentist can offer several anesthetic and other comfort options to make certain that you feel at ease during your treatment. The scaling and root planing treatment may be split up into several appointments, in which we treat one section of the mouth at each appointment.

Scaling and root planing may be combined with other types of periodontal therapy, such as antibiotic treatment. For most patients, scaling and root planning are enough to prevent periodontal disease from progressing further. For more information about the benefits of scaling and root planning and to learn more about the other types of periodontal treatment we offer, please do not hesitate to contact our office.