A Deeper Clean to Restore Gum Health
Scaling and root planing is a two-step process that typically takes place over the course of two appointments. During the first, our team will clear away any plaque and tartar attached to the surface of your teeth, as far down as the pockets of your gums. After that, we’ll smooth out the roots of your teeth to allow your gum tissue to healthily reattach to your teeth and provide them with necessary protection.
- Removes plaque and tartar below the gumline
- Smooths tooth roots for healthy gum reattachment
- Typically completed over two appointments
Common Questions About Scaling & Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning treatment for gum disease. It removes plaque and tartar that have built up below the gumline, then smooths the tooth roots so your gum tissue can reattach and heal. This helps stop gum disease from progressing and protects the health of your teeth and jawbone.
We use a local anesthetic to numb your gums and teeth before treatment, so you shouldn’t feel pain during the procedure. It’s normal to experience some mild soreness or sensitivity for a few days afterward, but this typically improves quickly with basic aftercare.
Treatment is usually completed over two appointments, one for each side of your mouth. Afterward, your gums may feel tender or slightly swollen for a few days, so we recommend sticking to softer foods and gentle brushing until you’re comfortable. We’ll schedule a follow-up visit to check your healing and gum health.