Here at Lumen Dental of Tysons Corner, we are proud to offer periodontal scaling and root planing for our patients. Periodontal scaling and root planing is done to remove tartar that has built up on your gum roots. Often your gums will start to pull away from your teeth, leaving a pocket that bacteria and food particles are able to fill.
Periodontal scaling and root planing is the most effective way to get rid of gum disease or periodontitis. There are times when we use a local anesthetic to numb the area before performing the procedure. Be sure to tell your dentist if you would prefer local anesthesia before we start the procedure!
Book OnlinePeriodontal scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning procedure designed to treat gum disease and restore the health of your gums and teeth. During this process, we carefully remove plaque, tartar (hardened buildup), and bacteria from the surfaces of your teeth, both above and below the gumline—areas that regular brushing and flossing can’t reach.
We also thoroughly clean the spaces between your teeth and gums, known as periodontal pockets, where infection often develops. To do this, we may use hand instruments (standard scraping tools) for precise removal of buildup, as well as an ultrasonic instrument that uses gentle vibrations and water to loosen and wash away deposits more efficiently when needed.
In some cases, if there is active infection or deeper gum pockets, a localized antibiotic may be placed directly between the teeth and gums. This medication helps reduce bacteria, control infection, and promote healing in the treated areas.
Overall, scaling and root planing helps reduce inflammation, prevent further bone and gum loss, and support long-term oral health.
If you have any questions about periodontal scaling and root planing, please contact us today at (703) 219-8575.