6 Quick Tips for Scaling and Root Planing You May Not Be Using Yet

Scaling and root planing (SRP) is foundational to periodontal therapy—every clinician knows it inside and out… or so we think. While the core techniques rarely change, even the most seasoned dental hygienists and periodontists can overlook small tools or advanced techniques that make SRP more thorough, efficient, and rewarding for both patient and provider.

Consider this your invitation to go beyond the standard approach. From innovative uses of disclosing solutions to specialty instruments designed for complex root surfaces, these six tips may surprise you—and help elevate your SRP outcomes.

Disclosing agents are traditionally used supragingivally, but when diluted and delivered subgingivally, they can reveal hidden plaque and calculus in deep periodontal pockets. This technique is supported in clinical hygiene literature (Wilkins, 2020, Gehrig, 2018).

Technique Overview:

• Mix Young 2Tone™ Disclosing Solution with sterile water (1:1 dilution).
• Apply circumferentially using a Microbrush® or blunt-tip irrigation syringe.
• Allow 30–60 seconds of contact time.
• Rinse and dry the area thoroughly.
• Use compressed air to dry the tissue and expose any stained deposits.
• Inspect under magnification; residual stain highlights areas needing additional instrumentation.

This method provides visual confirmation of biofilm removal and offers documentation for complex cases or follow-up appointments.

2. Adjunctive Use of PerioDT™ Desiccant Rinse

Even with meticulous mechanical debridement, residual biofilm can persist—especially in deep pockets and root concavities. According to the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP), such deposits contribute significantly to inflammation and delayed healing.

Desiccant rinses, like PerioDT™ by Young Specialties, use sulfonated phenolics to chemically dehydrate the biofilm matrix, weakening its structure and improving removal during SRP. In a multicenter study, desiccant agents significantly enhanced the reduction of pathogenic biofilm and clinical inflammation when used alongside scaling.

Root anatomy, pocket depth, and furcation involvement often limit access with standard instruments. Mini-bladed Gracey curettes are specifically designed to improve adaptation, tactile sensitivity, and efficiency (Gehrig, 2018).

Young’s Mini Five Gracey Curettes feature:

• Thinner, shorter working ends.
• Extended terminal shanks for deep insertion.
• Improved adaptation for restricted or anatomically challenging areas.

These instruments are ideal for reducing burnished calculus and improving thoroughness in tight or irregular sites.

Compressed air is an underutilized but highly effective tool for detecting residual calculus. Drying the tooth surface after instrumentation helps highlight chalky, opaque areas indicative of remaining deposits (Wilkins, 2020).

Technique Tip:

• Thoroughly dry the tooth after scaling.
• Use magnification to assess for changes in reflectivity and texture.
• Confirm findings with an explorer.

This simple step can make a major difference in detecting residual debris that may otherwise go unnoticed.

Standard explorers can fall short in accessing deep periodontal pockets or navigating root concavities. An extended shank 11/12 explorer provides superior subgingival reach and enhanced tactile sensitivity (Gehrig, 2018).

Clinical Benefits:

• Longer terminal shank enables deeper adaptation with less tissue trauma.
• Facilitates detection of burnished calculus and surface irregularities in hard-to-reach areas.

Adding an extended explorer to your perio toolkit ensures more consistent debridement and fewer missed deposits.

Vertical bony defects are notoriously hard to navigate. In such cases, the periodontal probe is more than a diagnostic tool—it’s a valuable aid for confirming root surface smoothness after scaling (AAP, 2011).

Technique Tip:

• Insert the probe into the vertical defect post-scaling.
• Apply gentle lateral pressure to assess for roughness.
• Use this tactile feedback to locate and remove lingering calculus.

This complements explorer-based detection and ensures comprehensive debridement in anatomical challenges.

Integrating These Techniques into Clinical Practice

Each of these strategies helps refine visualization, improve tactile accuracy, and increase your efficiency during scaling and root planing. When integrated into your SRP appointments, these tips enhance the standard of care while also supporting ergonomics and long-term success.

At Young Specialties, we’re committed to empowering dental professionals with tools that improve outcomes, including:

• 2Tone Disclosing Solution for enhanced visualization.
• PerioDT™ Desiccant Rinse to aid biofilm disruption.
• Mini Five Gracey Curettes and extended explorers for deep access.
• High-quality probes and explorers for confident detection.

References

1. American Academy of Periodontology. Comprehensive Periodontal Therapy Statement. J Periodontol. 2011;82(7):943–949.
2. Wilkins EM. Clinical Practice of the Dental Hygienist. 13th ed. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer; 2020.
3. Gehrig JS. Fundamentals of Periodontal Instrumentation and Advanced Root Instrumentation. 8th ed. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer; 2018.
4. Arweiler NB, Pietruska M, Skurska A, et al. Clinical evaluation of a desiccant agent for periodontal biofilm treatment. J Clin Periodontol. 2014;41(11):1024–1030.