Periodontal Scaling and Root Planing

**Semantic type:** Therapeutic or Preventive Procedure

**Definition:** Instrumentation of the crown and root surfaces of a tooth to remove plaque and calculus from these surfaces. It is indicated for patients with periodontal disease and is therapeutic, not prophylactic, in nature. Root planing is the definitive procedure designed for the removal of cementum and dentin that is rough, and/or permeated by calculus or contaminated with toxins or microorganisms. Some soft tissue removal occurs. This procedure may be used as a definitive treatment in stages of periodontal disease and/or as a part of pre-surgical procedures in others.