When periodontal gum disease does not respond to more conventional treatment, a special kind of deep cleaning called scaling and root planing may be necessary. In this treatment, the plaque and tartar beneath the gum tissue is removed using an ultrasonic scaler and special metal dental tools called scalers and curettes.

The procedure begins with administration of a local anesthetic to reduce any discomfort. A small instrument called a scaler, or an ultrasonic scaler, is used to clean beneath your gum line to remove calcified plaque and tartar.

The root surfaces on the tooth are then planed and smoothed. The procedure helps the gums reattach themselves to the tooth structure. Additional measures may be needed if the inflammation or periodontal pockets persist after scaling and root planing.