Scaling and Root Planing: Deep Cleaning Treatment for Gum Disease

Scaling and root planing is a dental deep cleaning procedure that targets gum disease before it causes severe damage. This treatment removes plaque and tartar below the gum line, smooths root surfaces, and helps your gums reattach to your teeth. At Laser Smile Solutions, we use advanced periodontal scaling and root planing to restore gum health, protect against tooth loss, and improve your overall oral health.

What Is Scaling and Root Planing?

Scaling and root planing, also known as tooth scaling and root planing, is a specialized dental procedure that goes beyond a standard teeth cleaning. It is designed to treat gum disease by removing harmful bacteria, plaque, and tartar that form on your teeth and beneath the gumline. Scaling and root planing may also be referred to as deep cleaning, as it targets deep pockets around the teeth that regular brushing and dental cleaning cannot reach.

During the scaling and root planing procedure, a dentist or hygienist uses ultrasonic instruments or a dental scaler to remove plaque and tartar buildup from the teeth. Root planing involves smoothing the root surface to allow the gums to reattach to your teeth and heal. This treatment not only improves gum tissue health but also helps prevent the progression of advanced gum disease and tooth loss.

Why is Scaling and Root Planing Needed for Periodontal Disease?

Gum disease is a progressive condition that begins with gingivitis and can advance to periodontitis if left untreated. Signs of gum disease include bleeding gums, swollen gums, and persistent bad breath. If gum disease is caught early, scaling and root planing treatment can reverse damage and restore gum health.

Untreated gum disease can lead to deep pockets around the teeth, bone loss, and ultimately, tooth loss. Periodontal scaling and root planing are effective gum disease treatments because they remove plaque and tartar, reduce inflammation, and help your gums reattach to your teeth. Patients with chronic periodontitis often benefit most from scaling and root planing treatment, as it is considered the gold standard procedure for non-surgical periodontal care.

How Does the Scaling and Root Planing Procedure Work?

The scaling and root planing procedure is usually performed by a dental professional over one or more visits, depending on the severity of the gum disease. Your dentist may use a local anesthetic to minimize discomfort during the procedure.

1. Removal of plaque and tartar

Scaling removes plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line

2. Smoothing roots

Root planing smooths the roots of your teeth to support healing

3. Repeat if necessary

The procedure may take more than one session, depending on the number of gum pockets

A dentist may prescribe over-the-counter pain relievers to help manage any tooth sensitivity or discomfort that may occur after the deep cleaning procedure. Most patients find that scaling and root planing helps reduce swelling, bleeding gums, and restores healthier gums and teeth.

Risks of Scaling and Root Planing

While scaling and root planing are safe and effective treatments for gum disease, certain risks are associated with these procedures. You may have pain or discomfort during the procedure, and teeth sensitivity is common for a few days afterward. In rare cases, gums may swell or bleed slightly as they heal.

Despite these risks, scaling and root planning are far less invasive than surgical treatments for advanced gum disease. The benefits of treating gum disease early with a deep cleaning far outweigh temporary discomfort, and the procedure is considered essential by the American Dental Association for preventing advanced periodontal disease.

Scaling and Root Planing vs. Regular Dental Cleaning

A regular dental cleaning, often referred to as a scale and polish, is designed to remove plaque above the gumline and support your oral health. Scaling and root planing, however, is a deep cleaning procedure that targets gum pockets and root surfaces beneath the gum tissue. Compared to traditional teeth cleaning, scaling and root planing treatment is more intensive because it addresses the root cause of gum disease. This periodontal scaling and root planing process smooths the root surface, removes plaque and tartar from deep pockets, and allows gums to heal naturally.

How Periodontal Scaling and Root Planing Tackle Gum Disease and Improve Oral Health

Scaling and root planing treatment improves oral health and significantly reduces signs of gum disease, such as bleeding gums, swelling, and gum pockets. By allowing gums to reattach to your teeth, the treatment supports healthier gums and helps prevent the further progression of periodontal disease.

When combined with regular dental check-ups and proper dental care at home, including brushing, flossing, scaling, and root planing, these treatments help prevent gum disease from returning. Patients who undergo scaling and root planing enjoy improved gum tissue health, fresher breath, and long-term support for their overall oral health.

Arrange your consultation

Book Your Consultation for Scaling and Root Planing

If you exhibit signs of gum disease, such as bleeding gums, gum swelling, or deep pockets around your teeth, you may require scaling and root planing. At Laser Smile Solutions, our specialists provide advanced periodontal scaling and root planing treatment to restore gum health and prevent tooth loss. Call (877) 440-3564 today to schedule your free consultation and learn how scaling and root planing can help your gums reattach, heal, and support lasting dental wellness.