Scaling and root planing, otherwise known as conventional periodontal therapy, non-surgical periodontal therapy, or deep cleaning, is the process of removing or eliminating the etiologic agents (dental plaque, its products, and calculus) from the teeth that cause periodontal disease.
Dental plaque, its by products, and calculus (hardened plaque) are removed from the teeth using different instrumentation by a dental hygienist or dentist. This process usually requires local anesthesia because the cleaning is done above and below the gum-line on the root surfaces.