Scaling and Root Planing (SRP) is a non-surgical procedure used to treat periodontitis, the advanced form of gum disease. This therapeutic treatment addresses bacterial deposits that have accumulated deep below the gumline, going beyond a routine cleaning. If left untreated, periodontitis destroys the bone supporting the teeth and can lead to tooth loss.
Understanding Scaling and Root Planing
SRP differs distinctly from a standard preventive dental cleaning (prophylaxis). A regular cleaning removes plaque and calculus (tartar) from visible tooth surfaces and slightly above the gumline. SRP is a therapeutic intervention targeting infection established in deeper gum pockets.
The procedure has two parts: scaling and planing. Scaling involves carefully removing hardened deposits of plaque and calculus from the tooth surface both above and below the gumline. Root planing follows, where the dental professional meticulously smooths the root surfaces. This smoothing removes toxins and makes it difficult for bacteria to adhere, encouraging gum tissue to reattach to the cleaned root surface.
Diagnostic Indicators for Treatment
The need for SRP is determined through a comprehensive periodontal examination. This assessment uses a specialized periodontal probe to measure the depth of the space between the gum and the tooth, known as the pocket. Healthy pockets typically measure between one and three millimeters.
Readings of four millimeters or more indicate that the infection requires SRP. Deeper pockets mean bacteria and calculus have moved too far down the root for a regular cleaning to be effective. Other indicators include bleeding upon probing, a sign of active infection, and gum recession. X-rays are also used to confirm the diagnosis by revealing visible bone loss around the roots, a hallmark of periodontitis.
How the Procedure is Performed
Local anesthesia is typically administered to ensure patient comfort during the deep cleaning. Since SRP is intensive, the mouth is often divided into quadrants, treating one or two quadrants per appointment over multiple visits. This staged approach allows for a thorough cleaning and minimizes patient discomfort.
The dental professional uses specialized tools for the procedure. Ultrasonic scalers, which use high-frequency vibrations and a water spray, are often used first to loosen and flush away large calculus deposits. Hand instruments called curettes are then used to access and thoroughly clean the deepest parts of the pocket and perform root planing. The goal is to completely remove the bacterial biofilm and calculus, creating a clean environment for the gums to heal and reattach.
Recovery and Ongoing Periodontal Maintenance
Following the procedure, patients may experience temporary mild soreness and heightened tooth sensitivity, manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers. Gum tissue needs several weeks to heal and reattach to the newly cleaned root surfaces. For the first 24 hours, dental professionals advise a diet of soft foods and gentle brushing to avoid irritating the healing gums.
Once healing is complete, the patient transitions into long-term periodontal maintenance. Since periodontitis is a chronic condition, regular six-month cleanings are often insufficient to prevent recurrence. Patients usually require specialized cleanings every three to four months to meticulously monitor pocket depths and remove new bacterial accumulation. This ongoing, tailored maintenance schedule is necessary to protect the SRP investment and maintain the health of supportive bone and gum tissues.