Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning)

Scaling and Root Planing (SRP) is a careful cleaning of the root surfaces to remove plaque and calculus from deep pockets and to smooth the tooth root to remove bacterial toxins.  This cleaning is more in-depth than a routine prophylaxis, or polish, with which you may be familiar, and may require more than one appointment.  For comfort, your periodontist may wish to numb the area prior to treatment.  Research has consistently demonstrated that SRP reduces gingival inflammation and probing depths, and shifts the bacteria composition living in these pockets from one associated with disease toward one associated with health. Thus, SRP is usually the first mode of treatment recommended for most patients.  Most periodontists agree that after SRP and oral hygiene instruction, many patients do not require any further active treatment, including surgical therapy.