Dentist in Eden Prairie MN | Anderson Lake Dental

Scaling and root planing is also known as conventional periodontal therapy and targets the etiologic agents which can be the cause of inflammation to the gingival (gum) tissue and surrounding bone. Dental plaque and tartar (calculus) are also etiologic agents which are removed by this method. One of the biggest advantages of scaling and root planing is that it is a non-surgical procedure. Patients suffering from gingivitis (mild gum inflammation) and moderate/severe periodontal disease can benefit greatly from this procedure as it cleans out the periodontium entirely.

Scaling and root planing is also known as conventional periodontal therapy and targets the etiologic agents which can be the cause of inflammation to the gingival (gum) tissue and surrounding bone. Dental plaque and tartar (calculus) are also etiologic agents which are removed by this method. One of the biggest advantages of scaling and root planing is that it is a non-surgical procedure. Patients suffering from gingivitis (mild gum inflammation) and moderate/severe periodontal disease can benefit greatly from this procedure as it cleans out the periodontium entirely.

Why These Dental Procedures May Be Necessary?

Tooth protection

The risk of periodontal disease increases exponentially when a gum pocket exceeds 3 millimeters in depth. The pockets become home to colonies of harmful and dangerous bacteria as the depth of the pockets increase. The response is usually a chronic inflammation which destroys gingival and bone tissue which can cause the loss of teeth. The leading cause of tooth loss in today’s world is periodontal disease.

Disease prevention

It is important to treat and prevent periodontal disease as the infection can also travel to other parts of the body via the bloodstream. Medical research shows that periodontal disease can be a cause for lung infections and heart disease. The removal of bacteria is done through scaling and root planing which also prevents the periodontal disease from further spreading to the rest of the body.

Aesthetic effects

Tartar and plaque can form on the surface of teeth and below the gum line which can be problematic. Scaling and root planing helps removes these as well as any stains that have formed on the surface of the teeth.