Dental Scaling & Root Planing Edmonton
Dental plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth. If it is not removed through daily brushing, flossing, and regular dental cleanings, it hardens into calculus, also known as tartar. Unlike plaque, calculus cannot be removed at home and requires professional dental treatment.
Plaque and calculus irritate the gums and surrounding tissues, triggering inflammation that can eventually lead to periodontal (gum) disease. Common symptoms include bleeding gums, gum recession, persistent bad breath, loose teeth, and bone loss if left untreated.
The earliest stage of gum disease is gingivitis, which is reversible with proper treatment and improved oral hygiene. Without treatment, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more advanced condition that damages the supporting bone and tissues around the teeth and may ultimately result in tooth loss.
Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning procedure used to treat periodontal disease. Scaling removes plaque, bacteria, and hardened calculus from above and below the gumline, while root planing smooths the tooth roots to discourage future bacterial buildup and promote healthy gum reattachment.
For patients with significant tartar deposits or deeper periodontal pockets, local anesthesia may be used to ensure a comfortable experience. Our dental team combines ultrasonic instruments with specialized hand tools to thoroughly remove bacteria and calculus from every treated surface. Mild tenderness or tooth sensitivity may occur for a few days following treatment and can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.
Following scaling and root planing, a follow-up appointment is typically scheduled about four weeks later to evaluate healing and gum health. Ongoing periodontal maintenance visits, usually every three to six months, help control bacterial buildup, reduce periodontal pockets, and preserve the supporting bone around your teeth.
