Dr. Eli Janabi may recommend a scaling and root planing treatment if you are diagnosed with periodontal disease. Scaling and root planing is one of the most common and effective treatments for gum disease available, and is often recommended for mild to moderate cases of periodontal disease.

Scaling and root planing consists of two basic parts:

  1. Scaling – Scaling removes plaque and tartar (also known as calculus) from the tooth surface.
  2. Root Planing – Root Planing cleans the roots of the teeth, removing bacteria, plaque and tartar and smoothing them out to help prevent bacteria from reattaching to the teeth.

The goal of this treatment is to halt the progression of gum disease and prevent further damage to your teeth and supporting structures. Scaling and root planing can usually be completed without anesthetic, though local anesthetics, sedation dentistry and other comfort options are available if you should need them. Please be aware that your scaling and root planing treatment may take several appointments, which each session cleaning one section of your mouth.

Scaling and root planing may also be combined with other types of periodontal therapy as needed, such as antibiotic treatments.

If you have any questions about scaling and root planing in Falls Church, Virginia, or to set up an appointment with our periodontist, call Smile Studio Dental today at 703-982-2222.