Which term describes the procedure that removes calculus and smooths root surfaces below the gumline?

Which term describes the procedure that removes calculus and smooths root surfaces below the gumline?

• A. Scaling and Root Planing
• B. Prophylaxis
• C. Scaling and Polishing
• D. Root Canal Therapy

Answer: (A)

This question tests understanding of periodontal debridement procedures used to treat conditions around the tooth. The description “removes calculus and smooths root surfaces below the gumline” refers to scaling and root planing. Scaling removes both supra- and subgingival calculus from the tooth surfaces, and root planing smooths the cementum of the root to create a clean, even surface. This smooth surface helps reduce plaque retention and allows the periodontal tissues to reattach more effectively, which is why this procedure is performed as a deep cleaning for areas affected by periodontal disease. In contrast, a prophylaxis is a routine cleaning performed above the gumline on healthy or minimally inflamed gums, focusing on plaque and stain removal from crowns. Scaling and polishing combines scaling with polishing of the crowns but doesn’t address subgingival calculus. Root canal therapy, on the other hand, treats the tooth’s pulp inside the root, not the root surfaces or calculus buildup.

This question tests understanding of periodontal debridement procedures used to treat conditions around the tooth. The description “removes calculus and smooths root surfaces below the gumline” refers to scaling and root planing. Scaling removes both supra- and subgingival calculus from the tooth surfaces, and root planing smooths the cementum of the root to create a clean, even surface. This smooth surface helps reduce plaque retention and allows the periodontal tissues to reattach more effectively, which is why this procedure is performed as a deep cleaning for areas affected by periodontal disease.

In contrast, a prophylaxis is a routine cleaning performed above the gumline on healthy or minimally inflamed gums, focusing on plaque and stain removal from crowns. Scaling and polishing combines scaling with polishing of the crowns but doesn’t address subgingival calculus. Root canal therapy, on the other hand, treats the tooth’s pulp inside the root, not the root surfaces or calculus buildup.