Gum disease is a sneaky problem. It often starts quietly, with symptoms like bleeding gums or bad breath, but if left untreated, it can lead to serious issues like tooth loss and even impact your overall health.
The good news is that there’s a proven solution to stop gum disease in its tracks: scaling and root planing. This deep cleaning procedure goes beyond regular dental cleaning to tackle the root cause of gum disease, helping you restore and maintain healthy gums.
In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know about scaling and root planing, from why it’s necessary to what you can expect during and after the procedure.
Key Takeaways
- Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning procedure that removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline to treat gum disease and prevent it from getting worse.
- It helps reduce gum inflammation, bleeding, and bad breath while preventing tooth loss and protecting your overall health.
- The procedure is usually painless, though your gums might feel tender afterward. It often takes one or two sessions to complete.
- Regular brushing and flossing are important, but scaling and root planing is needed when gum disease creates deep pockets that daily cleaning can’t reach.
- Talk to your dentist if you have symptoms like swollen gums, bad breath, or loose teeth—scaling and root planing could be the solution you need.
What is Scaling and Root Planing?
Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning procedure performed by a dentist or dental hygienist to treat gum disease. Unlike a regular cleaning, which focuses on the surfaces of your teeth and the gumline, scaling and root planing go deeper—literally. It involves cleaning below the gumline to remove plaque, tartar (hardened plaque), and bacteria that have accumulated in the pockets between your teeth and gums.
The process has two main parts:
- Scaling: This is the removal of plaque and tartar from the tooth surfaces and below the gumline.
- Root Planing: This involves smoothing out the rough surfaces of the tooth roots to help the gums reattach to the teeth and prevent bacteria from building up again.
Often referred to as “deep cleaning,” scaling and root planing is a non-surgical but highly effective way to manage gum disease and prevent it from progressing. It’s a common treatment for patients with gingivitis (early-stage gum disease) or periodontitis (advanced gum disease).
Why You Might Need Scaling and Root Planing
If you’re wondering if scaling and root planing is for you, some telltale signs are swollen or bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, and loose teeth. These may signal gum disease (periodontitis).
Understanding Gum Disease
Gum disease, which is also known as periodontitis, begins with plaque buildup, irritating and inflaming your gums (gingivitis). This early form can lead to more advanced periodontitis as gum disease often forms as spaces, or “pockets,” deepen between the gums and teeth which plaque fills and which brushing won’t remove.Left untreated, this inflammation attacks deeper, damaging the bone, and tooth loss.
When Deep Cleaning is Necessary
While brushing and flossing daily remains crucial for maintenance and disease prevention, periodontitis often needs intervention. When those pockets surrounding gum tissue deepen too much to clean with just daily brushing and flossing, and you exhibit some of the tell-tale symptoms we outlined above like reddening, swelling, and bleeding gums, and persistent bad breath, then, at that point, your dentist can assess the need for scaling and root planing.
Here are the reasons why it’s so important:
- Halts Gum Disease Progression: By removing plaque and tartar below the gumline, scaling and root planing stops gum disease from advancing to more severe stages.
- Reduces Inflammation and Bleeding: The procedure helps shrink gum pockets and reduces swelling, bleeding, and tenderness.
- Prevents Tooth Loss: By addressing the root cause of gum disease, it helps preserve the structures that hold your teeth in place.
- Improves Overall Health: Gum disease has been linked to systemic health issues like heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory problems. Treating it can have positive effects beyond your mouth.
Treats Gum Disease
Scaling and root planing is one of the most effective treatments for gum disease, especially in its early stages. If you’ve been diagnosed with gingivitis (mild gum disease) or periodontitis (advanced gum disease), this procedure can help reverse the damage and prevent further complications. By removing the bacteria and toxins causing the infection, it gives your gums a chance to heal and reattach to your teeth. For many patients, this means avoiding more invasive treatments like gum surgery down the line.
Improves Gum Health
One of the immediate benefits of scaling and root planing is healthier gums. After the procedure, you’ll likely notice less redness, swelling, and bleeding when you brush or floss. The gum pockets will also become shallower, making it easier to keep them clean and free of bacteria. Over time, this can lead to stronger, more resilient gums that are better able to support your teeth.
Freshens Breath
Bad breath (halitosis) is a common symptom of gum disease caused by the bacteria lurking in your gum pockets. Scaling and root planing removes these bacteria, leaving your mouth feeling fresher and cleaner. If you’ve been struggling with persistent bad breath, this procedure could be a game-changer.
Protects Overall Health
Gum disease doesn’t just stay in your mouth—it’s been linked to a range of systemic health issues, including heart disease, diabetes, and even complications during pregnancy. By treating gum disease with scaling and root planing, you’re not just protecting your teeth and gums; you’re taking a proactive step toward better overall health.
What to Expect During and After Scaling and Root Planing
A deep cleaning usually lasts one to two hours, sometimes split into two sessions. Your dentist or hygienist can give you more details based on your dental exam.
During the Procedure
To make sure things go smoothly, your dentist might numb your gums with a local anesthetic first. Next up is removing any plaque and tartar (or dental calculus), diving under the gums with handheld or ultrasonic scalers down to those pockets you may have developed. Finally, is root planing: after thoroughly cleaning comes the smoothing to ensure there’s no infection and prevent bacteria from returning by making those gums healthy again.
After the Procedure
Your gums may feel tender and be slightly swollen. Teeth can feel a little sensitive to hot and cold in the initial days after the deep-clean. A follow-up check verifies healing. Here, a healthcare provider can observe healing, gum reattachment, and shrinking gum-teeth pockets after infection, plaque, tartar, and bacteria are cleared.
Cost of Scaling and Root Planing
Like any dental procedure, the cost of scaling and root planing can vary. Several factors can affect it, too, like the number of treatments needed or insurance coverage you may have.
| Factor | Description |
| Severity of Gum Disease | More advanced gum disease will take additional time and expertise to tackle and treat the more severe periodontitis and greater affected area from plaque build-up and irritated, inflamed, bleeding gums. |
| Number of Sessions Needed | Depending on the extent of periodontal pocket development between gums and teeth that brushing and flossing don’t keep up with, a dental deep-clean such as scaling and root planing can often require more than one treatment session, resulting in additional costs over time. |
| Dental Insurance Coverage | A considerable part or sometimes even total cost is occasionally covered if your policy and the type of insurance plan include dental or periodontal services. Contacting your carrier gets coverage clarification. |
Scaling and Root Planing: Your Path to Healthier Gums and a Brighter Smile
Scaling and root planing is more than just a dental procedure—it’s a powerful tool to combat gum disease and protect your oral and overall health. By targeting the root cause of gum problems, this deep cleaning treatment helps reduce inflammation, prevent tooth loss, and even freshen your breath. While the idea of a “deep clean” might sound intimidating, the process is straightforward, effective, and often painless, with long-lasting benefits.
If you’ve been experiencing symptoms like bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, or sensitivity, don’t wait. Gum disease won’t go away on its own, but scaling and root planing can stop it in its tracks. Pair this treatment with a solid oral hygiene routine and regular dental check-ups, and you’ll be well on your way to healthier gums and a brighter smile.
Ready to Take the First Step Toward Healthier Gums?
Don’t let gum disease hold you back from a confident, healthy smile. At New Leaf Rohnert Park, we’re here to help you restore your gum health with personalized scaling and root planing treatments. Whether you’re dealing with bleeding gums, bad breath, or just want to prevent future problems, our team is ready to provide the care you need.
Take control of your oral health today—request an appointment by calling us at (707) 586-1549. Let’s work together to keep your smile bright and your gums healthy!
