Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing, often called "deep cleaning," is an effective non-surgical treatment for periodontal (gum) disease. This thorough cleaning procedure goes beyond a regular dental cleaning to specifically target the areas below the gumline where harmful bacteria collect and cause infection, inflammation, and tissue damage.
What Is Scaling and Root Planing?
Scaling and root planing is a two-part therapeutic procedure:
- Scaling involves removing plaque and tartar (calculus) deposits from tooth surfaces and from within periodontal pockets that form when gums pull away from the teeth due to inflammation.
- Root planing involves smoothing the root surfaces to remove bacterial toxins that have become embedded in the root and to create a clean, smooth surface that promotes healing and discourages further plaque and tartar accumulation.
Unlike a regular cleaning that focuses on the tooth surfaces and just slightly below the gumline, scaling and root planing is a deeper, more involved procedure specifically designed to treat active gum disease.
When Is Scaling and Root Planing Necessary?
This procedure is typically recommended when:
- Periodontal pockets measure 4mm or deeper (healthy gums typically have pocket depths of 1-3mm)
- X-rays show evidence of bone loss around teeth
- Gums are inflamed, bleeding, or receding
- Tartar deposits are visible below the gumline
- There are signs of active periodontal disease, such as persistent bad breath or loose teeth
Early intervention with scaling and root planing can prevent progression to more advanced stages of periodontal disease that might require surgical intervention or lead to tooth loss.
Our Approach to Comfortable Treatment
We understand that the idea of deep cleaning can cause anxiety for some patients. Our approach prioritizes your comfort:
Before Treatment
- Comprehensive evaluation: We perform a thorough assessment including detailed measurements of pocket depths around each tooth
- Treatment planning: We develop a personalized plan outlining the number of appointments needed (typically 2-4 sessions, one quadrant of the mouth at a time)
- Discussion of comfort options: We explain anesthesia and sedation choices available to you
The Scaling and Root Planing Procedure
A typical scaling and root planing treatment follows these steps:
- Anesthesia administration: Local anesthetic is applied to ensure your comfort during the procedure.
- Scaling process: Using specialized instruments, the hygienist or dentist removes plaque and tartar from the tooth surfaces and from within the periodontal pockets below the gumline.
- Root planing: The roots of the teeth are carefully smoothed to remove bacterial toxins and create a clean surface that promotes gum reattachment.
- Irrigation: The periodontal pockets are flushed with antimicrobial solutions to remove bacteria and debris.
- Medication placement: In some cases, antibiotic fibers or antimicrobial gels are placed directly in deeper pockets to continue fighting infection.
- Post-procedure instructions: You'll receive guidance on managing any temporary sensitivity and maintaining the results with proper home care.
The entire procedure for one quadrant typically takes 45-90 minutes, depending on the extent of infection and tartar buildup.
What to Expect After Treatment
After scaling and root planing, it's normal to experience:
- Some sensitivity to hot and cold for a few days to a week
- Mild gum tenderness that resolves within a few days
- Slight bleeding during brushing initially
- Teeth that feel cleaner with less visible inflammation in the gums
These symptoms are temporary and indicate that the treatment is working to resolve the infection. Most patients find that any discomfort is easily managed with over-the-counter pain relievers if needed.
Home Care After Treatment
Your home care routine is crucial to the success of scaling and root planing. We'll provide detailed instructions, which typically include:
- Brushing twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Daily flossing and/or use of interdental brushes
- Antimicrobial mouth rinses if prescribed
- Special attention to cleaning along the gumline
- Avoiding tobacco products, which significantly impair healing
With proper professional treatment and diligent home care, most patients see significant improvement in gum health, including reduced bleeding, decreased inflammation, and stabilized or improved pocket depths.
Follow-Up and Maintenance
Approximately 4-6 weeks after completing all quadrants, we'll schedule a re-evaluation appointment to:
- Measure pocket depths again to assess improvement
- Check for signs of continued inflammation
- Determine if additional treatment is needed or if maintenance therapy is appropriate
For most patients with early to moderate periodontitis, scaling and root planing, combined with improved home care, effectively controls the disease. However, some patients with more advanced disease may require additional treatments.
After successful treatment, most periodontal patients transition to a periodontal maintenance program with more frequent professional cleanings (typically every 3-4 months) to maintain the results and prevent recurrence.
Benefits of Scaling and Root Planing
This essential treatment offers numerous benefits:
- Halts disease progression: Stops the advancement of gum disease before irreversible damage occurs
- Reduces inflammation: Decreases redness, swelling, and bleeding of gum tissues
- Eliminates infection: Removes bacteria that cause gum disease
- Freshens breath: Addresses one common source of halitosis
- Protects overall health: Reduces bacteria that may enter the bloodstream and affect systemic health
- Preserves bone: Helps prevent the bone loss that can lead to tooth loss
- Non-surgical solution: Often prevents the need for more invasive periodontal surgery
If you're experiencing signs of gum disease or have been recommended for scaling and root planing, don't delay treatment. Early intervention provides the best chance for successful non-surgical management and preservation of your oral health. Contact our office to schedule an evaluation and discuss how this treatment can help restore your gum health.
