Scaling & Root Planing

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What Is Scaling & Root Planing?

The first phase of periodontal disease treatment often involves a deep professional cleaning known as scaling and root planing. These non-surgical procedures are designed to remove plaque, tartar, and other harmful deposits that contribute to gum inflammation and periodontal disease. Scaling and root planing may be performed as an independent treatment or as a preventive measure and are commonly recommended for gingivitis and moderate-to-severe periodontal disease.

What Does Scaling and Root Planing Entail?

Before recommending scaling and root planing, a comprehensive examination of the mouth is performed, which may include dental X-rays and a visual evaluation of the teeth and gums. Treatment is determined based on factors such as the condition of the gums, amount of tartar present, depth of periodontal pockets, and progression of the disease. Local anesthesia may be used when needed to help ensure a comfortable procedure.

What Does Scaling and Root Planing Entail?

Before recommending scaling and root planing, a comprehensive examination of the mouth is performed, which may include dental X-rays and a visual evaluation of the teeth and gums. The need for treatment is determined by factors such as gum health, tartar buildup, periodontal pocket depth, and the progression of gum disease. Local anesthesia may be used when needed to help ensure a comfortable treatment experience.

Scaling

Scaling involves removing plaque and hardened tartar, also known as calculus, from the surfaces of the teeth. Special attention is given to deposits located below the gum line and along the tooth roots. An ultrasonic scaling instrument may be used to remove these deposits, and an irrigation system can deliver antimicrobial agents beneath the gums to help reduce harmful bacteria.

Root Planing

Root planing focuses on cleaning and smoothing the tooth roots by removing contaminated cementum and surface dentin containing bacteria, toxins, and tartar. Smoothing the root surfaces encourages the gums to heal and makes it more difficult for bacteria to accumulate again. Antibiotics or antimicrobial irrigation may sometimes be recommended to help control bacteria associated with periodontal infection. In certain cases, Dr. Farhadian may place antibiotic fibers inside the periodontal pockets following scaling and root planing to help manage infection and support healing. When periodontal pockets become very deep, completely removing plaque and tartar can be challenging. Patients may also have difficulty keeping these areas clean at home. If deep pockets remain, periodontal surgery may be necessary to help restore and maintain gum health.

Benefits of Scaling & Root Planing Treatment

Successful scaling and root planing can provide several important periodontal benefits. By removing harmful bacteria and deposits, treatment can help control periodontal disease and support healthier gums. Another important benefit is helping protect the teeth from potential tooth loss. Deeper periodontal pockets provide more space for bacteria to accumulate, which can contribute to ongoing inflammation and damage to the gum and supporting bone tissues. Treating these areas can help reduce the progression of periodontal disease. Scaling and root planing can also improve the overall appearance and freshness of the mouth. The procedure removes superficial stains and accumulated deposits from the teeth and may help reduce unpleasant breath associated with trapped food particles and oral bacteria.

Signs you may need treatment

Tooth icon showing bleeding or inflamed gums caused by gum disease.

Bleeding or Inflamed Gums

Mouth icon representing persistent bad breath symptoms.

Persistent Bad Breath

Tooth icon showing deep gum pockets around the tooth.

Deep Gum Pockets

Tooth icon representing loose or sensitive teeth symptoms.

Loose or Sensitive Teeth

What to expect

1

Diagnose

We perform a thorough examination of your teeth and gums, which may include X-rays, to evaluate gum health, tartar buildup, and the depth of periodontal pockets.

2

Treat

We carefully remove plaque and tartar from the teeth and below the gum line, then smooth the root surfaces to support healing and reduce future bacterial buildup.

3

Maintain

After treatment, improved gum health and proper oral hygiene can help control periodontal disease, reduce inflammation, and protect the teeth and supporting tissues.

Common questions

What is scaling and root planing?
Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical periodontal treatment that removes plaque and tartar from the teeth and below the gum line while smoothing the root surfaces.
It is commonly recommended for patients with gingivitis or moderate-to-severe periodontal disease, particularly when plaque, tartar, and deeper gum pockets are present.
Depending on the condition of the gums and the extent of treatment, local anesthesia may be used to help keep the procedure comfortable.
By removing harmful deposits and helping control periodontal infection, scaling and root planing can help reduce the progression of gum disease and protect the tissues that support the teeth.
When pockets are too deep to clean thoroughly with scaling and root planing, periodontal surgery may be recommended to help restore periodontal health.