Gross Scaling

If good oral health is not maintained, excessive tartar or staining can accumulate on teeth, and a deep scaling may be required. A few weeks after the gross scaling, a finer scaling, similar to a normal prophylaxis, will be performed.

Scaling and Root Planning

Periodontal disease is often painless. You may not be aware of it until your gums and the supporting bone are seriously damaged. The good news is that periodontal diseases can be treated in the early stages with scaling and root planing.

The procedure: During regular dental checkups, your dentist can detect developing periodontal disease before irreversible damage is done. If deep pockets around teeth are found, along with tartar build-up or inflamed gums, scaling and root planing treatments can be scheduled. Several visits may be necessary to remove the build-up along the gum line and root areas. A local anesthetic is recommended to numb the area of treatment.