Scaling and Root planning is done by our dental hygienists, Emma and Kacie, after they have completed a periodontal examination, and Dr. Detar and determined that additional treatment is needed to treat your gum disease. It is a procedure in which you will have a local anesthetic to ensure your comfort before they remove the dental plaque/calculus that is impregnated with toxins and microorganisms that cause inflammation and resorption (scaling) from your tooth root surfaces. This is done with a cavitron, or an instrument that vibrates at a high frequency with water to more efficiently remove the debris while preventing any damage to your tooth root. Then they smooth (plane) the root surfaces to help prevent further adhesion of plaque/calculus. Once deep scaling and root planning are completed, you may be set up on a more frequent maintenance schedule to help prevent the progression of further gum disease.