Scaling and root planning eliminates bacterial toxins below the gum lines. This procedure is done to remove plaque and tartar from the top of your tooth to the bottom of the pocket. We typically use this process when pockets are approximately 4 mm or more.

This is the treatment of the interior of the tooth when the nerve has experienced degenerative changes, to provide an environment where the tissues surrounding a tooth’s root are free of inflammation.

The problem with tooth infections is that once a tooth’s nerve tissue has started to degenerate and bacteria is present in the tooth’s nerve area, there is no way for the body’s defenses mechanisms to get at them effectively.

The result is that the nerve space inside a tooth provides a cozy cave-like location for bacteria to persist, possibly causing a tooth abscess with pain and swelling.

The root canal is the clean up work that your body is unable to perform. It removes bacteria and tissue irritants that are present inside the tooth where your body has the most trouble combating them.

Once the root canal is completed, this provides your body with an environment where its mechanisms are able to clear away any residual bacteria and tissue irritants that may still be present, allowing complete healing to occur.