Dentist - San Mateo
135 North San Mateo Drive
San Mateo, CA 94401
650-344-7500
650-344-9019 - fax
3208 Mission Street
San Francisco ,
CA 94110
415-641-8900
415-641-1191 - fax
Scaling and Root Planing
Some cases of acute periodontal (gum) disease that do not respond to more conventional treatment and self-care such as flossing may require a special kind of cleaning called scaling and root planing.
The procedure begins with administration of a local anesthetic to reduce any discomfort. Then, a small instrument called a "scaler," or an ultrasonic cleaner, is used to clean beneath your gum line to remove plaque and tartar.
The root surfaces on the tooth are then planed and smoothed. This lets the gum tissue heal and reattach itself to the tooth.
