why isn't scaling done alone without the root planing?  i read somewhere that
in some instances root planing is not advised.  

why isn't scaling done without the root planing?  i read somewhere a while back
that root planing can cause damage.

Bblockus:
Scaling is good for people who have tartar and it needs to be removed.
Root planning goes along with scaling in those cases when there is a
periodontal disease rather than gingivitis (gum inflammation), if a person
does not have periodontal bags, or does not have exposed roots, then there's
no need of root planning, as roots are okay and covered by bone and gums,
but if there's a periodontal bag (or pocket) root planning IS indicated.
Anyway when indicated root planning is not harmfull but leads to healing of
periodontal tissues.
all of this should be first diagnosed and then a treatment plan should be
prepared, according to each case's needs.
Obviously if you just have inflammated gums without bags you don't need root
planning, but you DO need good {*filter*}hygiene performed by yourself 3 to 4
times a day.
By the way... what happened with that canine we talked about last time?
Please update me! I'm curious! Did you get the rct? and the crown was...?
Cheers!
Gabriel Schugurensky

had rct on #9 and endo took xray of #12 and thought rct could be done and tooth
saved.  he saw bone loss, but said tooth wasn't mobile and thinks a dentist can
restore tooth/crown.  will let you know of further developments.  thank you for
your response.