Scaling and Root Planing

If you are like most people, you brush and floss at least two times per day, rinse with antibacterial mouthwash and make an attempt to reduce your consumption of sugary and acid-laden foods that compromise teeth.  However, Carol Stream residents sometimes make the mistake of assuming such DIY (do it yourself) oral care will suffice.  Regular brushing and flossing is important yet it is not enough in and of itself.  Scaling and root planing is also necessary to maintain clean, functional and healthy teeth. 

The scaling and root planing performed at our Carol Stream, IL dental practice proactively addresses the hardened minerals, referred to as tartar, that stick to the teeth.  The scaling component of this in-depth cleaning eliminates tartar from tooth surfaces visible when parting the lips.  The planing component eliminates tartar from tooth roots beneath the gum line.  Our deep dental cleanings extend below the gum line to proactively address problematic tartar below the actual teeth, extending all the way to the roots.  You will be provided with a local anesthetic during your scaling and root planing to minimize any potential pain, ensuring the scaler’s vibrating metal endpoint chips the tartar away from compromised portions of teeth above the gums. 

Our Carol Stream dentist also uses a water spray to attack tartar and eliminate pesky plaque from deep within the gum pockets.  You won’t feel significant pain during this in-depth cleaning as the dentist gently pushes gum tissue to the side to address tooth root surfaces, ensuring plaque and bacteria cannot stick to the treated tooth’s smoothened surfaces as easily occurred prior to scaling and root planing.