Deep Scaling/Root Planing for Periodontal Therapy

Periodontal diseases (gum diseases) are bacterial infections that attack just below the gum line, where they cause the attachment of the tooth and its supporting tissues to break down. Periodontal disease is present in 60% of the general population. Although regular dental cleanings can reduce the chances of developing periodontal disease, it's important to realize that there is likely a genetic link to the disease. In addition, other recent medical studies have proven links between periodontal disease and other systemic diseases such as diabetes, coronary artery disease and pancreatic cancer.

Many people have no pain or symptoms associated with periodontal disease, so regular periodontal examinations are important. Initial therapy to treat periodontal disease involves removal of hard (calculus) deposits around the teeth combined with daily removal of soft (plaque) deposits containing bacteria. The overall goal is to reduce the bacterial infection by reducing the overall numbers of bacteria responsible for the disease. Removing hard and soft deposits from the teeth (scaling and root planning) reduces the overall immunological response in the oral environment.

Once initial therapy is completed, it is critical to maintain a strict maintenance (cleaning schedule) as advised by the doctor and hygienist. Failure to maintain advised cleaning procedures will most certainly guarantee relapse and disease progression .

Periodontal therapies are not limited to scaling and root planing to control disease. Localized medications as well as other treatments are used to stop the disease progression and maintain a state of periodontal health.