The scaling and root planing process is the most common treatment for mild to moderate gum disease. This deep dental cleaning removes plaque and bacteria from the roots of your teeth below the gum line. It’s a non-surgical procedure with many benefits for your oral health. If your dentist has mentioned that you need a scaling and planing treatment, here’s what you can expect.
How Scaling and Root Planing Can Improve Oral Health
Scaling and planing is a non-surgical procedure used to treat mild to moderate cases of gum disease. You might have heard it referred to as a “deep cleaning”—it’s similar to the regular preventative cleanings you get from your dental hygienist, but intentionally deeper below the gum line where calcified deposits covered in biofilm are positioned.
If your hygienist notices signs indicating a gum or bone problem, they may suggest scaling and root planing. Scaling involves removing plaque and tartar from your tooth roots, and root planing is when we use tools to smooth the surface of the roots of your teeth. This procedure allows your gum tissue to reattach to the roots of your teeth. The progression of periodontal disease leads to what is termed attachment loss. The attachment being referred to is the structure that secures and holds the teeth in place. The primary goal of scaling and root planing is to halt the progression of attachment loss. There are other ancillary goals of the treatment as well.
Scaling and planing treatment can:
- Stop the progression of gum disease
- Get rid of bad breath
- Protect the roots of your teeth from decay
- Promote healthy teeth and gums
- Prevent tooth loss from gum disease
What Happens During a Scaling and Planing Treatment?
Step #1: Exam and X-Rays
This step will usually occur at the appointment before your actual scaling and root planing appointment. During your exam, your hygienist will take full-mouth X-rays to see how much damage there is to the bone and gum tissues. Your dentist will consult with the hygienist to best diagnose any issues and create a plan to get to a better spot.
Step #2: Local Anesthesia (optional)
When you arrive for your appointment, your hygienist may give you local anesthetic or numbing gel. You may not need numbing if you do not have sensitive teeth. You can always start the procedure without anesthetic, and if it becomes too much, you ask for some numbing gel to make you more comfortable.
Step #3: Scaling
Your hygienist will use an ultrasonic tool or specialized hand tools to remove the plaque and tartar stuck to your teeth under the gum line.
Step #4: Root Planing
Once the scaling process is complete, your hygienist will use another set of tools to smooth the surfaces of the affected tooth roots.
Step #5: Antibiotics (optional)
This step may not be needed if your dentist sees no infection in your gums. However, if an infection is present, our hygienists will place antibiotics locally in the area to prevent the infection from spreading and help you heal quickly.
Step #6: Schedule Future Appointments
Depending on how well you tolerate the procedure, the scaling and root planing process can get spread across two or more appointments. You may also want to schedule your next routine exam and cleaning.
Gum Disease Treatment in South Jordan, Utah
The scaling and root planing process takes time, but your oral health will greatly improve when the procedure is complete. If you notice any signs of gum disease, scheduling an appointment as soon as possible is important.
At Copper Creek Dental, we strive to get you the help you need when you need it. Contact us to schedule an appointment to discuss scaling and root planing with one of our dentists today.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (01/08/2025) Photo by Caroline LM on Unsplash