Periodontal disease is the infection of the gums that gradually destroy the support of your natural teeth.
Scaling is when your dental hygienist removes all the plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) from above and below the gum line. These pockets of plaque harbor bacteria and toxin that causes inflammation and damage to the gums and adjacent bones. Deep cleaning is the best way to treat chronic gum diseases. The dentist will make sure to clean all the way down to the bottom of the pocket. Your dentist will then begin root planning, smoothing out your teeth roots to help your gums reattach to your teeth.