04/30/2026
Something to think about!
For years, many of us (myself included) were taught that successful root planing meant leaving the root surface feeling “smooth as glass.”
But here’s the problem… we were also told that cementum is important.
Confused? I was too.
That glass-like root often means healthy cementum was removed.
Cementum matters because it helps:
✔ Anchor periodontal ligament fibers
✔ Protect underlying dentin
✔ Support healing and attachment
✔ Preserve root integrity
If we’re being honest… one reason this conversation is complicated is because differentiating tenacious burnished calculus from rough root anatomy/cementum can be incredibly difficult.
This challenge has kept the “keep scaling until it feels smooth” mentality alive for decades.
This is where improved technology can help.
Mechanized scalers + desiccant gel therapy (like PerioDT) disrupt biofilm, help loosen calculus so we can remove microbial burden more effectively—without unnecessarily sacrificing healthy root structure WHILE reducing pain inducing pinch force to the clinician.
For the love of cementum, the goal should be thorough periodontal therapy, not lost reattachment opportunity from cementum removal.
Were you taught “smooth as glass” too?
👇 Tell me when you graduated and how you best differentiate between calculus and rough roots or cementum—I’m curious how this philosophy has changed over time.
