Scaling and Root Planing aka Deep Cleaning

The periodontium is defined as the supporting structures of the teeth; the gums, the connective tissue and the bone that hold your teeth in place. Periodontal disease is plaque-induced inflammation or infection of these tissues leading to their break down. Periodontal disease usually begins with gingivitis, inflammation of the gums, and leads to break down of the bone supporting the teeth. Untreated, the alveolar bone (bone supporting teeth) will slowly recede until the teeth are mobile and eventually lost. Deep cleanings are necessary to halt this process and ensure that the periodontium remains healthy and recession doesn’t occur.