Scaling and root planing in St. George, Utah, is a non-surgical deep cleaning procedure performed by dental professionals like Dr. Bryce Eagar and the Gateway Oral Health Center team to treat periodontal (gum) disease. The procedure involves two primary segments: scaling, which removes plaque and tartar (calculus) from the surfaces of the teeth and below the gum line, and root planing, which smooths the root surfaces to promote healing and prevent bacterial colonization.

Scaling and Root Planing

During scaling, specialized dental instruments, such as ultrasonic scalers or hand scalers, are used to remove plaque and calculus from the tooth surfaces, including the area between the gums and teeth (the periodontal pockets). Plaque is a sticky film composed of bacteria, while calculus is hardened plaque that cannot be removed by regular brushing and flossing. Removing these deposits is essential for eliminating the bacteria responsible for gum inflammation and infection.

Root planing is the second phase of the procedure and involves smoothing out the rough surfaces of the tooth roots. Rough or irregular root surfaces can harbor bacteria and make it difficult for the gums to reattach to the tooth, leading to ongoing inflammation and pocket formation. By planing the roots, the dental professional creates a clean, smooth surface that facilitates gum reattachment and prevents bacterial buildup.

How Does Scaling and Root Planing Help With Gum Disease?

Scaling and root planing help with gum disease in several ways:

• Removal of bacterial deposits: Plaque and calculus harbor harmful bacteria that can irritate the gums and lead to inflammation and infection. Scaling and root planing effectively remove these deposits, reducing bacterial load and promoting gum health.
• Reduction of inflammation: Inflamed gum tissue can cause swelling, redness, and tenderness. By eliminating bacterial deposits and smoothing out the root surfaces, scaling and root planing help reduce inflammation, allowing the gums to heal and regain their healthy appearance.
• Resolution of periodontal pockets: Periodontal pockets refer to the spaces that develop between the teeth and gums as a result of gum disease. These pockets provide an ideal environment for bacterial growth and can exacerbate the progression of gum disease. Scaling and root planing help reduce pocket depths by eliminating bacterial deposits and promoting gum reattachment, thereby preventing further deterioration of the periodontal tissues.
• Prevention of disease progression: Scaling and root planing are effective in halting the progression of gum disease in its early stages (gingivitis) and preventing it from advancing to more severe forms (periodontitis). By addressing the underlying cause of gum inflammation and infection, this procedure helps prevent tooth loss and preserves oral health.

Scaling and root planing are essential treatments for managing gum disease and promoting optimal oral health. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Bryce Eagar and the team at Gateway Oral Health Center, please call (435) 656-0255.

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