In the context of periodontal therapy, what does Scaling and Root Planing aim to accomplish?

Scaling and root planing is a fundamental periodontal therapy aimed at achieving optimal oral health by eliminating biofilm, calculus, and bacterial deposits that accumulate on the tooth surfaces, particularly below the gumline. The procedure is critical for the management of periodontal disease, as it helps reduce inflammation, pocket depth, and the microbial load associated with active disease.

During scaling, dental professionals use various instruments to meticulously remove hardened plaque (calculus) and soft plaque (biofilm) from the teeth and root surfaces. This process helps disrupt the inflammatory cycle and promotes healing of the periodontal tissues. Root planing complements scaling by smoothing the root surfaces, making it more difficult for bacteria to adhere and colonize, thus supporting the reattachment of the gum tissue.

The other choices focus on different aspects of dental care: replacing lost tooth structure pertains to restorative dentistry, assessing periodontal pocket depth is more diagnostic, and providing restorative options involves treatment planning for tooth restoration, all of which are essential components of comprehensive dental care but do not directly relate to the primary goals of scaling and root planing.