Scraping and smoothing the root surfaces of the teeth is called?

• A. Subgingival curettage
• B. Scaling
• C. Perioceutics
• D. Root planing

Answer: (D)

Root planing is the procedure that involves scraping away calculus and contaminated cementum from the root surfaces and then smoothing them to a fine, glassy finish. This smoothing removes microscopic irregularities that harbor bacteria and creates a surface more conducive to periodontal tissue reattachment, helping to reduce pocket depths and improve periodontal health. It’s typically performed after scaling as part of thorough subgingival debridement. Subgingival curettage focuses on removing inflamed pocket tissue rather than smoothing the root surface, so it doesn’t achieve the same root conditioning. Scaling removes deposits on tooth surfaces but doesn’t specifically create the smooth root surface that planing achieves. Perioceutics isn’t the procedure here, as it relates to drug therapy rather than mechanical cleaning.