Reconnecting Practicing Hygienists with the Nation's Leading Educators and Researchers.

Scaling and Root Planing

Ask the Expert ForumCategory: Periodontal TherapyScaling and Root Planing
guestuser asked 12 years ago
Im a new hygienist and I do most Scaling and root planing procedures in my office because I have local anesthesia certificate. I continually scale the root surface using slimline left and right tips plus other ultrasonic tips, then I use my hand instruments and irrigate with chlorhexidine post op. I also give them OHI such as flossing, stimudents,listerine and waterpik if necessary. When a patient returns for the 6 week re-eval and there is no tissue reduction and bleeding is apparent what is the next step? I don''t know what else I can do to reduce pocket depth and bleeding. Any advice you have for me would be great thanks. Im getting frustrated because I feel like I am letting the patient down.
1 Answers
Jill Rethman, RDH, BA answered 6 years ago
Hi - Congratulations on being a new member of our profession! Your question is one that both new and experienced practitioners face, and there''s not a simple answer. One of the most obvious factors contributing to ongoing inflammation and unresolved probing depths is that there may be residual calculus left on the root surfaces. As a new clinician, it may be difficult for you to determine this, especially if you don''t work with a periodontal endoscope. Sometimes the calculus can be burnished on to the root surface, so detecting it can be a challenge. Another factor might be your approach: it''s recommended that you use the larger ultrasonic tips for removal of heavy deposit and then the Slimline tips afterward. While there are newer ultrasonic tips that can be used on higher power, the original Slimline-type tips were not meant for removal of heavy deposits. Be sure to read Anna Pattison''s "Tips on Technique" column in the upcoming April issue. She discusses thinner ultrasonic tips and the use of anesthesia in greater detail. Of course, there may numerous other reasons why you are seeing continued inflammation after debridement procedures (such as systemic health issues.) It would be impossible to discuss all the possibilities in this response. So I suggest you try to determine if there indeed is residual deposit left on the root surfaces. Also, if your office works closely with a periodontist, and unresolved sites that you cannot control should be referred to the specialist for care. I hope that helps!

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Read More

BLACK FRIDAY / CYBER MONDAY
CE PROMOTION

Coupon has expired Stay top of your profession with our evidence-based peer-reviewed continuing education courses written by world-class educators and researchers!
Get Black Friday CE Savings!