Dental Scaling & Root Planing Edmonton
Plaque is a sticky film that forms on teeth and harbors bacteria. Over time, plaque can harden into a substance called calculus (tartar).
Both plaque and calculus irritate the tissues of your mouth. Your body’s response to these irritants—gum inflammation, gum recession, bleeding, and eventual bone loss around the teeth—is known as periodontal (gum) disease.
The earliest stage of periodontal disease is gingivitis, which is reversible and characterized by bleeding gums, especially when brushing or flossing. If untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, a more destructive stage that leads to further gum deterioration, bone loss, and ultimately tooth loss.
Scaling and root planing are the most common treatments for periodontal disease. Scaling removes plaque and calculus from the surfaces of teeth both above and below the gum line. Root planing smooths the root surfaces and eliminates any remaining deposits to prevent further bacterial buildup.
For extensive plaque or calculus, your dentist may numb the area to ensure comfort during the procedure. A combination of sonic and hand instruments is used: sonic instruments remove large deposits, and hand instruments remove any remaining tartar, ensuring all surfaces are clean. Some sensitivity or soreness may occur for a few days after treatment, typically relieved with over-the-counter pain medications.
A follow-up visit with ABC Dental Care is usually scheduled about four weeks after treatment to evaluate healing. Regular check-ups thereafter—typically every 3 to 6 months—help monitor the disease, reduce periodontal pockets, and maintain bone health around the teeth.
