Can you tell me about root planing or scaling?

Root Planing-Scaling: The initial treatment for gum disease, scaling and root planing removes plaque, tartar, bacteria, food debris, biofilm matrix for tooth and root surfaces making them smooth to inhibit the reattachment and redevelopment of these things on the tooth and root surface. It is however not a one and done thing. Your homecare has to be thorough and effective to prevent this from building up again.

Extensive cleaning: A root planing/scaling is a more intensive, focused cleaning of the teeth and gums, which goes further below the gum line (often with the use of a local anesthetic) to provide a more thorough cleaning. Not everyone needs it, but some patients get the procedure done one quadrant at a time. It is well worth it.