Root planing is an older term that includes the removal of what?

Root planing is a periodontal treatment that aims to remove all debris from the root surface, which includes not only calculus but also biofilm and any adhering cementum that may harbor bacteria. This comprehensive approach is essential for effective periodontal therapy, as it helps to create a clean surface that promotes healing and reattachment of the periodontal tissues.

The process is particularly important in cases of periodontal disease, where inflammation and infection can undermine the health of the supporting structures of the teeth. By ensuring that all material, including cementum, is removed, root planing facilitates a more favorable environment for periodontal health restorations and reduces the likelihood of disease recurrence.

In this context, simply removing calculus or biofilm alone would not be sufficient to achieve the desired therapeutic outcomes, nor would addressing vertical mobility in a socket pertain to the primary objective of root planing. Thus, the focus on the complete removal of debris, including potentially infected cementum, is what distinguishes root planing and underscores its importance in periodontal care.