Which term is commonly used to describe the non-surgical cleaning of root surfaces?

Which term is commonly used to describe the non-surgical cleaning of root surfaces?

• A. Scaling and root planing
• B. Periodontal debridement
• C. Periodontal surgery
• D. Oral hygiene instructions

Answer: (A)

The term commonly used for the non-surgical cleaning of root surfaces is scaling and root planing. Scaling refers to removing plaque and calculus from both the crowns and especially the root surfaces, including below the gumline. Root planing smooths the root surfaces to remove residual deposits and to create a physiologically compatible surface that helps tissues reattach and heal. This non-surgical periodontal therapy targets plaque biofilm and deposits that contribute to pocket depths and inflammation, and is done with hand instruments or ultrasonic tools. Periodontal debridement is a broader idea that can include non-surgical cleaning, but the specific, widely recognized name for cleaning root surfaces without incisions is scaling and root planing. Periodontal surgery involves operative procedures to access tissues, which is not what this term describes. Oral hygiene instructions are about patient home care rather than the actual removal of deposits from root surfaces.

The term commonly used for the non-surgical cleaning of root surfaces is scaling and root planing. Scaling refers to removing plaque and calculus from both the crowns and especially the root surfaces, including below the gumline. Root planing smooths the root surfaces to remove residual deposits and to create a physiologically compatible surface that helps tissues reattach and heal. This non-surgical periodontal therapy targets plaque biofilm and deposits that contribute to pocket depths and inflammation, and is done with hand instruments or ultrasonic tools.

Periodontal debridement is a broader idea that can include non-surgical cleaning, but the specific, widely recognized name for cleaning root surfaces without incisions is scaling and root planing. Periodontal surgery involves operative procedures to access tissues, which is not what this term describes. Oral hygiene instructions are about patient home care rather than the actual removal of deposits from root surfaces.