Plaque and tartar under the gum tissue can be removed by a dentist using a metal dental tool, ultrasound energy, or lasers. A dentist will break up the plaque and tartar before scraping it off. If the roots also have plaque buildup, root planing will remove them and smooth out any rough areas to make the tooth healthy and fully functional.

Periodontal scaling is the right way to remove tartar and plaque from a patient's teeth. Our dentist uses a scaler, a small, hand-held tool with a curved end, to complete this procedure. We place the scaler against the tooth and move it back and forth to remove the tartar. Scaling helps to prevent gum disease by eliminating the bacteria that cause it.