Which statement best describes the goal of root planing?

• A. Debride and smooth root surfaces to facilitate healing
• B. Remove enamel
• C. Polish crowns
• D. Remove tooth structure

Answer: (B)

Root planing aims to debride and smooth root surfaces to promote periodontal healing. By removing calculus, plaque, and contaminated cementum from the root and then smoothing any irregularities, the surface becomes conducive to connective tissue attachment and reattachment of the epithelial lining, helping pocket depths decrease. This process creates a clean, smooth root that resists bacterial colonization and supports healing beneath the gumline. It’s confined to root surfaces, not enamel, which covers the crowns of teeth and is not involved in root planing. Removing enamel would harm tooth structure and isn’t the goal of this procedure; polishing crowns or removing tooth structure refer to other procedures.