When Gums Start Pulling Away
Periodontal disease causes gums to become swollen and unhealthy, which allows them to pull away from teeth and form pockets where plaque and tartar collect. Left unaddressed, that buildup inflames the gums and the surrounding bone.
Scaling and root planing targets those pockets directly - removing the bacteria-filled deposits that drive inflammation and, over time, helping swollen or bleeding gums become healthier again. It can also reduce the likelihood that surgical intervention will be needed down the road.
What the Procedure Involves
The treatment has two parts. During scaling, our dentist or hygienist removes plaque, tartar, and bacteria from the surfaces of your teeth and roots. This can be done with hand instruments - a scaler and a curette, the same curved tools used in a routine cleaning - or with an electronic ultrasonic scaler that chips away tartar through gentle vibration while a water spray rinses the area and keeps the tip cool.
Root planing follows: the root surfaces are smoothed so that bacteria find it harder to adhere in the future and so that the gums can re-attach more easily. Once root planing is finished, a disinfectant or antibiotics may be applied to further discourage bacteria from returning.
Your Comfort During Treatment
Before we begin, we numb your gums so you remain comfortable throughout the appointment. To keep that process manageable, we typically treat only one or two quadrants of the mouth at a time - which means only one side needs to be numbed, and you can still eat and drink fairly normally as the anesthesia fades after your visit.
Part of an Ongoing Care Plan
Scaling and root planing is considered the gold standard for treating periodontitis, but it is not a one-time fix. While it can slow or stop the disease from advancing, it cannot cure it. We may recommend returning for additional scaling and root planing as needed, alongside regular periodontal maintenance checkups, to keep your mouth as healthy as possible over time.
-
Targets Bacteria at the Source
Plaque and tartar are cleared from below the gum line, where a standard cleaning cannot reach.
-
Smoother Roots, Healthier Gums
Root planing removes rough spots where bacteria tend to cling, making it easier for gum tissue to re-attach.
-
Numbed for Your Comfort
We apply local anesthesia before starting so you feel no pain or discomfort while we work.
-
Paired With Ongoing Maintenance
Periodic periodontal checkups alongside scaling and root planing help keep gum disease from advancing.