Scaling and Root Planing
Also written as: SRP — Scaling and Root Planing
A non-surgical periodontal treatment involving the mechanical removal of supra- and subgingival calculus and the smoothing of root surfaces to eliminate bacterial endotoxins.
Full Definition
Scaling and root planing (SRP) is the primary non-surgical intervention for treating chronic periodontitis. Scaling refers to the removal of calculus and plaque deposits from tooth surfaces, while root planing involves the smoothing of the root surface to remove contaminated cementum and create a biologically compatible surface for tissue reattachment. The procedure is commonly performed under local anaesthesia by quadrant or sextant. Editors should hyphenate 'scaling-and-root-planing' only when used as a compound modifier before a noun (e.g., 'scaling-and-root-planing therapy'). The abbreviation 'SRP' is widely accepted in periodontal literature.
Usage
Usage note: Do not substitute 'deep cleaning' in formal clinical documents; that phrase is appropriate only in patient-facing materials.
In Context
- "Scaling and root planing was completed over two appointments, with the maxillary arch treated first." — Periodontal treatment record
- "The study compared the adjunctive use of systemic antibiotics with SRP alone in stage III periodontitis patients." — Clinical trial introduction