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Periodontal disease is caused by the buildup of plaque and calculus around the gum line and between the teeth. In order to prevent disease, it is imperative to remove these etiologic agents. This will prevent bacterial growth which leads to bone breakdown and advancement of the disease process. The objective of scaling and root planing is to physically remove the plaque and calculus which causes the disease. Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical procedure which is particularly effective in dealing with gingivitis and early stages of periodontitis. If performed effectively at these stages, no further periodontal treatment may be necessary.
After conducting a thorough examination of the oral tissues and viewing radiographic findings, we may suggest scaling and root planing treatments. Depending on the severity of the disease process and the amount of plaque and calculus, local anesthesia may be used to make the treatment more comfortable.
Scaling involves the removing of debris from the crown and root surfaces. This may be accomplished with the use of a combination of ultrasonic and hand scalers. After all the plaque and calculus are “scaled” away, root planing may be undertaken using hand instruments to smooth the root surfaces of the tooth. Smooth root surfaces help prevent the buildup of the agents which cause periodontal disease.
After scaling and root planing procedures eliminate the causative factors, the remaining pockets may be treated with antibiotics.
Scaling and root planing (also called periodontal deep cleaning) removes plaque, tartar, and harmful bacteria from below the gum line and smooths the tooth roots to stop periodontal disease progression.
During the procedure, your dentist cleans below the gumline using specialized instruments to scale away tartar and then planes (smooths) the root surfaces to help gums reattach. Local anesthesia may be used for comfort.
This treatment is recommended for patients diagnosed with gingivitis or early to moderate periodontitis, especially when gum pockets are too deep to clean with a regular dental cleaning.
Benefits include reduced gum inflammation, lowered risk of tooth loss, fresher breath, improved gum health, and prevention of advanced periodontal disease.
Most patients experience initial healing within a few days, with full gum recovery over 1–2 weeks. Some sensitivity and tenderness are normal during this time.
The procedure is typically done under local anesthesia to minimize discomfort. Post-treatment sensitivity and mild discomfort are common but temporary.
Deep cleaning may be completed in one visit for mild cases, but more often requires two or more appointments to treat all affected areas thoroughly.
A regular cleaning focuses on surface plaque and tartar above the gumline, while scaling and root planing reaches below the gumline to remove deep-seated bacteria and smooth root surfaces.
In some cases, your provider may prescribe antibiotics or medicated rinses to prevent infection and promote healing. Follow-up care and periodontal maintenance are essential for long-term success.
Once periodontal pockets are cleaned and gum health improves, your dentist will recommend a personalized maintenance plan—often with more frequent periodontal cleanings than routine checkups—to prevent recurrence.
Please note: Summer hours may vary. We are open 1 Saturday a month, please call to confirm.
Please note: Summer hours may vary.