“What is the difference between root planing and scaling?”

Great question! On a technical level, scaling is the removal of calculus (also known as tartar), plaque, and stain from your teeth. Root planing is the removal of the bacteria and their toxins that has attached to and embedded in the root surface. This leaves the root surface clean and ready for the gum tissue to heal back to it. In practice, if you have deep pockets, both scaling and root planing are needed to help your gum tissue heal to a level that you can keep them clean at home.

Scaling and root planing are a very serious treatment to help remove infection from your gum tissue between and around your teeth. This infection can become systemic and cause multiple serious health issues throughout your body. To better understand the process of scaling and root planing please make an appointment for a consultation so we can show you the process and look at the specific areas we would need to work on healing in your mouth.

Those two terms usually go together - scaling removes the hardened calculus (tartar) and root planing smooths the root to allow for better healing.

Scaling refers to removing calcified debris from the crown or top of the tooth. Root planing is when the same debris are removed below the level of the gum tissue.

Justin W. Ruffner, DDS