Gum disease, or periodontitis, is a chronic condition that affects the supporting tissues of the teeth. If left untreated, this condition can lead to gum damage, jawbone loss, and even tooth loss. One of the common procedures used to manage periodontitis is root planing.
What Is Root Planing?
Root planing is a deep cleaning procedure on the root surfaces of teeth to remove plaque and calculus attached below the gumline. This procedure is usually combined with scaling, which cleans the tooth surfaces above the gumline. The combination of both is called Scaling and Root Planing (SRP), which is the standard treatment for mild to moderate periodontitis.
SRP aims to reduce periodontal pockets, stop inflammation, and promote the regeneration of healthy gum tissue.
Effectiveness of Scaling and Root Planing
A study conducted by FKG UGM student Ika Andriani, under the supervision of Prof. Dr. drg. H. Sudibyo, SU., Sp.Perio(K), showed a decrease in neutrophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes in the gingival crevicular fluid after Scaling and Root Planing (SRP), both with and without the administration of oral ciprofloxacin.
This research confirms that SRP is effective in reducing signs of local inflammation in periodontitis patients. With or without additional antibiotics, SRP has a significant impact on improving gum tissue condition.
Is Antibiotic Use Necessary?
In severe cases, dentists may recommend antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin as an adjunctive therapy. However, findings from UGM’s study suggest that SRP without antibiotics still provides significant clinical outcomes, meaning not all patients require additional antibiotics.
Root Planing Procedure
- Initial examination: the dentist evaluates gum condition, pocket depth, and level of inflammation.
- Local anesthesia: administered to reduce discomfort during the procedure.
- Scaling and root planing: thoroughly performed to remove bacteria and infected tissue.
- Post-treatment care: includes oral hygiene education and regular follow-up visits.
Benefits of Root Planing
- Reduces gum bleeding and swelling
- Prevents progression of gum disease
- Improves attachment between gums and teeth
- Reduces bad breath caused by pathogenic bacteria
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Root planing is an important procedure in managing gum disease, especially periodontitis. SRP effectively reduces inflammatory cell levels in the gums, even without the use of additional antibiotics. This demonstrates that root planing is a reliable and effective solution to improve overall gum health.
If you experience symptoms such as bleeding gums, swelling, or persistent bad breath, consult your dentist to determine whether root planing is the right treatment option for you.
References
Ika Andriani, Prof. Dr. drg. H. Sudibyo, SU., Sp.Perio (K), Effectiveness of Scaling and Root Planing (SRP) With and Without Oral Ciprofloxacin Administration in Periodontitis Patients Viewed from Leukocyte Differential Count in Gingival Crevicular Fluid, https://etd.repository.ugm.ac.id/penelitian/detail/50832
