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Scaling and Root Planing

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Scaling and Root Planing

At Gasper Periodontics, we specialize in advanced periodontal care to restore and protect your oral health. Scaling and root planing is one of the most effective non-surgical treatments for managing gum disease, targeting the deep areas where bacteria collect and cause inflammation. This thorough cleaning supports healthier gums, improves comfort, and helps prevent further damage to the bone and tissues that support your teeth.

 

What Is Scaling and Root Planing?

Scaling and root planing is a comprehensive deep-cleaning procedure designed to address gum disease at its source. While routine dental cleanings focus on the visible surfaces of your teeth, this treatment targets the areas below the gumline where toothbrushes and floss cannot reach. Over time, plaque hardens into tartar, and harmful bacteria settle into these pockets, irritating the gums and weakening the supporting structures.

During the scaling portion of your treatment, your periodontist removes plaque, tartar, and bacteria from the tooth surfaces above and below the gum line. Root planing then smooths the root surfaces, helping the gums reattach more securely and making it more difficult for bacteria to accumulate in the future. Together, these steps reduce inflammation, slow bone loss, and help stop the progression of gum infection.

 

Candidates for Scaling and Root Planing

This treatment is typically recommended for patients who show signs of early to moderate gum disease, such as gum inflammation, bleeding when brushing, persistent bad breath, or deep periodontal pockets detected during an examination. It is also a common recommendation for patients who have not responded fully to routine cleanings or who have tartar buildup beneath the gums.

Individuals experiencing gum tenderness, mild tooth looseness, or changes in gum appearance may also benefit. Your periodontist will evaluate your gum health, bone levels, and pocket depth to determine whether scaling and root planing is the appropriate first step. In some cases, this procedure may be combined with additional periodontal therapies for more comprehensive treatment.

 

The Scaling and Root Planing Cleaning

Scaling and root planing is performed using specialized instruments designed to gently and thoroughly clean below the gumline. Local anesthesia is typically used to ensure comfort throughout the appointment. Scaling removes accumulated plaque, tartar, and bacteria from the teeth and pockets around the gums. Once the area is completely cleaned, root planing smooths the root surfaces, helping the gums heal and reattach more effectively.

Depending on the extent of gum disease, treatment may be completed in one visit or over multiple sessions. Your comfort and safety are always a priority, and your periodontist will tailor the procedure to your specific needs.

 

Recovery and Results From Scaling and Root Planing

Most patients experience minimal downtime after the procedure. Mild tenderness, slight sensitivity, or small amounts of gum soreness may occur but typically resolve within a few days. As the gums heal, inflammation decreases, pocket depths may reduce, and overall gum stability improves.

Many patients notice fresher breath, less bleeding during brushing, and a cleaner, healthier mouth. This treatment plays a crucial role in halting the progression of gum disease and creating a more stable, long-term foundation for your oral health. Ongoing home care and routine periodontal maintenance visits help preserve these results.

 

Schedule a Consultation

If you are experiencing symptoms of gum disease or have been advised to consider a deep cleaning, Gasper Periodontics in San Francisco is here to help. Contact us today by completing our online contact form to schedule your consultation and learn whether scaling and root planing is right for you.

What is the difference between a regular cleaning, and scaling and root planing?

A regular cleaning focuses on the visible parts of the teeth above the gumline and is mainly preventive. Scaling and root planing, often called a “deep cleaning,” removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline and smooths the root surfaces so the gums can heal and reattach. The ADA describes scaling and root planing as a standard treatment for gum disease, not just a routine cleaning. ADA+1

Is scaling and root planing painful?

Most people are numbed with local anesthesia, so they feel pressure and vibration but not sharp pain during the procedure. Afterward, the gums may feel sore and the teeth may be sensitive to hot or cold for a few days. This is usually mild and can be managed with over-the-counter pain medicine and gentle brushing, as suggested in many university and hospital patient guides.

How long does the treatment take, and how many visits are needed?

Depending on a patient and the stage of periodontal disease, the deep cleaning can be done in one or two visits.

What can I expect during recovery after a deep cleaning?

After a deep cleaning, your gums may be a bit sore and may bleed slightly for a day or two. Your teeth may feel more sensitive for a short time. This usually improves within a week or two as the gums heal and tighten around the teeth. Good home care and any rinses recommended by your clinician help your mouth heal faster.

How can I maintain my gum health after scaling and root planing?

To keep your gums healthy, brush twice a day with a soft toothbrush, clean between your teeth every day with floss and interdental brushes (if indicated), and use any special tools or rinses your dental team suggests. Regular periodontal maintenance visits are important to remove bacteria that build up again under the gums and to monitor healing.