#root planing

Specialized periodontist care for advanced gum health and restoration

A healthy smile begins with healthy gums. While brushing and flossing are crucial, they aren’t always enough to remove the deep-seated plaque and tartar that cause gum disease. Over time, bacteria can accumulate below the gum line, leading to infection and inflammation known as periodontitis.

One of the most effective, non-surgical methods to treat and control this condition is Scaling and Root Planing — often called a “deep cleaning.” This procedure is a cornerstone of periodontal therapy and plays a key role in restoring gum health and preventing tooth loss.

 Understanding Periodontal Disease

Periodontal (gum) disease is an infection of the tissues that support your teeth. It begins with gingivitis, characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums. If not treated, it can progress to periodontitis, where the gums pull away from the teeth, forming pockets that harbor more bacteria. This leads to bone loss, tooth mobility, and eventually, tooth loss.

Common signs of gum disease include:

Persistent bad breath

Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing

Gum recession or “longer-looking” teeth

Loose or shifting teeth

Swollen, tender, or dark red gums

When these symptoms appear, scaling and root planing often becomes the first line of defense.

What Happens During Scaling and Root Planing?

Scaling and root planing is typically performed by a periodontist or dental hygienist under local anesthesia for maximum comfort. The procedure involves two key steps:

1. Scaling

This step focuses on removing plaque and hardened tartar (calculus) from the tooth surfaces and below the gum line. Specialized ultrasonic and manual instruments are used to clean deep periodontal pockets and eliminate harmful bacteria.

2. Root Planing

After scaling, the tooth roots are smoothed and polished. This process discourages future bacterial buildup and helps the gums reattach more firmly to the tooth surface, reducing pocket depth and inflammation.

Depending on the severity of gum disease, the procedure may be completed in one or more visits.

 Why Scaling and Root Planing Is So Important

1. Stops the Progression of Gum Disease

SRP removes bacterial deposits and toxins responsible for gum inflammation. By cleaning beneath the gums, it helps halt the progression of periodontitis and allows the gums to heal naturally.

2. Prevents Tooth Loss

Untreated gum disease can destroy the bone and tissues that anchor your teeth. Deep cleaning helps preserve these structures, reducing the risk of loose teeth and tooth loss.

3. Improves Systemic Health

Numerous studies link gum disease to heart disease, diabetes, stroke, respiratory issues, and pregnancy complications. By controlling oral bacteria through SRP, patients also support their overall health.

4. Reduces Inflammation and Bleeding

After treatment, most patients notice less gum bleeding and tenderness. Healthier gums protect against future infection and enhance oral comfort.

5. Enhances Smile Aesthetics and Freshens Breath

By removing tartar and bacterial buildup, SRP helps restore a clean, fresh smile and eliminates chronic bad breath (halitosis).

 What to Expect After the Procedure

It’s normal to experience mild soreness, swelling, or sensitivity for a few days after SRP. Your dental team may recommend:

Using a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle brushing technique

Rinsing with antimicrobial mouthwash

Avoiding hard, spicy, or sticky foods temporarily

Taking prescribed medication if necessary

Healing typically begins within a few days, but full recovery and gum reattachment may take several weeks.

 Long-Term Care After Scaling and Root Planing

Scaling and root planing is highly effective, but maintaining results depends on consistent oral hygiene and professional care. To keep your gums healthy:

Brush twice daily using fluoride toothpaste

Floss or use interdental brushes every day

Schedule professional dental cleanings every 3–6 months

Avoid tobacco, as it delays healing and worsens gum disease

Maintain a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals for gum health

 When Is Scaling and Root Planing Not Enough?

In advanced cases where deep pockets persist or bone loss continues, your periodontist may recommend additional procedures such as:

Pocket reduction surgery

Bone or tissue grafting

Laser-assisted periodontal therapy

However, early detection and SRP can often prevent the need for surgery altogether.

 Final Thoughts

Scaling and root planing is more than just a deep cleaning — it’s a vital step in protecting your oral and overall health. By removing harmful bacteria and promoting gum healing, SRP restores stability to your teeth and preserves your natural smile for years to come.

It’s more than just a fancy dental term— Scaling and Root Planing is a deep cleaning treatment that helps stop gum disease in its tracks.

 Scaling removes plaque and tartar buildup above and below the gum line. Root planing smooths the root surfaces, helping gums reattach and heal naturally.

Scaling and root planing is a specialized dental cleaning procedure performed by a trained dental hygienist or dentist. It is primarily recommended for individuals suffering from gum disease or those at risk of developing it. The treatment involves two main steps:

Scaling: During scaling, the dental professional uses specialized instruments to remove plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) from the tooth surfaces, both above and below the gumline. This step aims to eliminate the bacteria causing inflammation and infection in the gums.

Root Planing: Root planing is the process of smoothing out the tooth roots to remove any remaining bacteria and toxins. This step helps prevent the recurrence of periodontal disease by creating a clean and smooth surface to which the gums can reattach.

Teeth Scaling and Root Planing are more in-depth dental procedures than regular teeth cleaning, that help to treat gum disease/periodontitis and excessive plaque buildup. 

Scaling is a dental procedure that helps to remove plaque buildup by reaching below the gum line.